Stakes high for Belgium, England in easy draw

Onus on top two sides to realise their potential as Panama, Tunisia look short on experience

The dark horse, the perennial underachievers, a newcomer and an inspired African side constitute this World Cup’s Group G. The first two --Belgium and England -- are tipped to make the round of 16 but how they do it, if they can ie, could catalyse or snip their progress. For Belgium’s golden generation, boasting the Premier League’s finest talent, Russia may be the last shot at realising their potential. The Red Devils’ record-breaking qualifying campaign saw them score 43 goals, win nine of their 10 games as Romelu Lukaku became their all-time leading scorer with 33 goals.

But their last few friendlies, a 3-3 draw against Mexico last year and a goalless draw against a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal, will be a reality check for Roberto Martinez’s side. Having failed to make the lastfour in the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championship – Belgium’s star-studded lineup have some expectations to live up to.

Kevin De Bruyne seems to have taken up the unassuming leader’s role. And if he can guide Belgium to glory, feeding Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, just as he has aided his Manchester City teammates all season, he could be on of the season’s greats. Belgium’s issues though, remain at the back. And despite the presence of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, coach Martinez’s inability to organise the backline could lead to their downfall. For England, the World Cup will be a path to redemption. They crashed out of Brazil 2014 after just two games, not progressing beyond the group stage for the first time since 1958, and more recently crashing out of the Euro 2016 to Iceland.

Under Gareth Southgate, England have lost only two of the 16 World Cup preliminaries, winning eight and drawing six, playing in a more experimental 3-4-2-1 formation. Their most experienced players come in the form of Gary Cahill (32), Manchester United’s Ashley Young (32) and Leicester City’s forward Jamie Vardy (31). Surprisingly, a few youngsters like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope have made it to the squad. Eventually, all hopes will rest on Tottenham Hotspur stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli, along with City’s Raheem Sterling.

For Panama, their first World Cup campaign is likely to be a learning experience as put forth by their coach Hernan Dario Gomez. “We’ll go to the World Cup to learn and compete. It’s an experience to enjoy.” But if the South Americans are to cause a stir, they will look to midfielders like Gabriel Gomez. Their main scoring threats come in the form of strikers Gabriel Torres and Blas Perez.

Tunisia makes a return after a 12-year absence. A turbulent start to their qualification campaign saw coach Nabil Maalou take over in April last year. Maalou’s philosophy is offensive and will be key if the country is to register only its second victory in the World Cup. But with key players like Youssef Msakni and Taha Yassine Khenissi missing due to injury, it will be an uphill task.