FIFA 2022 : England favorites but not in full swing

2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar with thirty two top teams from across the world being in eight groups to contest with each other towards the top ladder.

Among the top favorites this time the English team is seen not in high spirits. The England journey began today on Monday against Iran who were expected to pose a few problems for Gareth Southgate’s men, but did not happen so. A three zero victory is a good start for the squad against Iran.

As considered, the first match of a World Cup is never easy, since the first day burden makes it tricky . Nerves, excitement and the volumes of expectations does often bog down even the coolest squad. In case of England, this gets all the more difficult.

The scanner by an overzealous media along with the fans pressure make the atmosphere so stifling that the English has many times failed to make it count on the biggest stage of football.

Day before yesterday, the statement of Infantino revealed that it is not nations who participate, but the two teams and the players.

On the other hand England captain HarryKane, decides to defy the FA and Fifa. He said, the squad will wear the “One Love” armband risking a fine in their first match at the Khalifa International Stadium. That’s not it, England also took the knee before the game to show that they stand as a team, as per manager Gareth Southgate.

England’s on field woes are also intact. They have been win-less in last 6 pre-Cup matches and their fickle form keeps putting Southgate under pressure. Kane, with fifty one goals from seventy five caps. Talk about the last World Cup, he had won the Golden Boot with 6, he will be seen as the key man while Jude Bellingham , the nineteen-year-old midfielder could prove to be Southgate’s trump card.

Considering Bellingham’s skills, he undoubtedly is one of the best things happened to England football in last couple of years with his presence in the midfield proves to be a great boost. Another young player, Bukayo Saka is also fast but how he will be utilized by Southgate, remains to be seen.