We’re almost done. After more than four years of waiting, the world will finally open its doors with the 2022 edition in Qatar. This winter, no less than thirty-two countries will participate in the tournament to conquer the planet, as the French team did in 2018. Among them is England, which seems to be time to put a second star on its white face. jersey. In fact, the only coronation of the Three Lions in the World Cup dates back to 1966. At that time, Queen Elizabeth II was still alive and she had also attended her nation’s coronation at home. In the final, England opposed West Germany and won after an exciting game (4-2, after extra time).
But those fond memories of Wembley Stadium are far, far away. And the English people intend to create new characters after the disappointments of the past years. At Wembley itself, England’s selection for the Euro 2021 final failed in a penalty shootout against Italy. Three years ago, it was the semi-final loss of the World Cup to the Croatian national team that shattered the minds of the British. In 2022, the latter will not leave a chance for coach Gareth Southgate. A disappointing tournament could cost the person who has been at the helm of the Three Lions since September 2016 a place.
Qualifications: Simple formality
If England fail to score a single goal in June’s Nations League matches against Hungary, they can boast of a clear run in World Cup qualifying. The English players remained invincible in their first group, despite the presence of Hungary. In October 2021, the two selections ended in a draw (1-1), before England thrashed Albania (5-0) and finally qualified in Qatar. The Three Lions’ experience captured their opponents. Albania, Hungary, Andorra, San Marino and Poland could do nothing about it. The latter country finished second in Group A, six points behind. With no fewer than thirty-nine goals scored, Gareth Southgate’s side put in an attacking display in this qualifier.
The Team: A great group of talent led by Ken
Whether in setting up the midfield, or in the purely attacking sector, England have little to envy other great soccer nations. Gareth Southgate has many technically important players. Before moving on, it’s worth mentioning the key contribution of captain Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur). He does not miss in the previous version with six goals in Russia, The 29-year-old striker can win England goals scored. Wayne Rooney is the owner of the current shirt, as he achieved fifty-three achievements with the Three Lions shirt.
While Harry Kane is still searching for his first title, he will be hoping to claim the world’s top goalscorer award again. But the English attacking sector has good talent. And he won’t be alone in shooting cages. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Phil Foden (Manchester City) and Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) will be on hand to change opponents’ defences. Not to mention promising youngster Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), who will have the chance to show himself to the world while continuing to impress in the Bundesliga. The issue of talent is more prominent in the defensive sector, particularly in the cages where Jordan Pickford (Everton) can be an asset as well as a disadvantage.
Community: fraternal, not necessarily friendly
It’s a wonderful family reunion that Group B brings to us at the World Cup in Qatar. Indeed, England would especially oppose its cousin across the Atlantic, the United States. While the latter will co-organize the 2026 edition – together with Canada and Mexico – they will be keen to show the English that the legacy they left them is not limited to the linguistic field. England’s other known opponent is none other than the United Kingdom’s neighbor, Wales.
The latter will also not lack motivation. The Welshman also held the task of the Three Lions during the group stage of Euro 2016 in France – England won with a score of 2-1, but in extra time. Finally, the final enemy is Iran, but that shouldn’t necessarily be a problem. It is also against Team Melle that the squad will make its Southgate debut (21 September), before facing the United States (25 November) and finishing with Wales (1 December).
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