World Cup predictions: Group G – final standings
World Cup 2018 in Russia begins this week. Welcome to our comprehensive analysis and prediction for Group G.
Group G contains Belgium, England, Panama and Tunisia. Matches will take place in six different locations in multiple Russian regions. Group games begin June 18, ending June 28.
English and Belgian options are far superior to their two opponents. Yet avoiding complacency is crucial, as anything can be possible with these two top dogs.
Tunisian and Panamanian will is to contest these rankings. In fact this is Panama’s first appearance in the tournament. While Tunisia have failed to emerge from the group stages four times. So, on paper it is a truly contrasting selection.
First up in the recently released FIFA pre-World Cup rankings are Belgium. They are third place, an astonishingly good position behind Germany and Brazil.
England are twelfth overall, although were generally rated higher than Belgium with more expectation. This was until possibly ten years ago. Tunisia and Panama attained 21st and 55th places respectfully in the standings.
Most impressive during qualification was clearly Belgium. They only lost once in ten, Lukaku supplying an awe-inspiring eleven finishes. Their FIFA rank is certainly testament to that as they finished first in their qualification group.
Also undefeated as well as finishing top was England. Tunisia overcame a tightly contested battle with Democratic Republic of Congo.
Panama have produced an astounding achievement just to qualify. For a country of only four million people, they have definite talent. Therefore, do not underestimate them.
How each nation should line-up
Throughout qualification, the Belgians mostly opted for a 3-4-3 formation. Boss Roberto Martinez is known to favour an attacking style. That certainly suits their choice of talent.
Vincent Kompany is the only doubt at present, suffering a groin strain. He could be replaced by Thomas Vermaelen, who may join Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen at centre-back.
Thibaut Courtois will start as No.1 goalkeeper. Most likely be accompanied by Yannick Carrasco and Thomas Meunier as wing-backs.
Seemingly, the Red Devils favour Axel Witsel over Mousa Dembele in central midfield. Partnering Dembele will be Kevin De Bruyne. Eden Hazard is captain on the left-wing. Dries Mertens will probably be opposite him on the right. Lukaku will lead the attack.
I envisage Southgate opting for a 3-1-4-2. Jack Butland between the posts, along with John Stones, Kyle Walker and Gary Cahill at centre-back. Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose begin as wing-backs. Erik Dier is utilised as midfield-sweeper.
In the centre is Jordan Henderson, with Dele Alli slightly more forward. Raheem Sterling supports Harry Kane as strikers. Marcus Rashford, in addition to Harry Maguire, are unlucky missing out.
Panama have employed a defensive based 4-1-4-1 lately. While Tunisia are indecisive or adaptable with nothing prominent from 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2.