So, how far will England go? Our experts have their say
WORLD CUP WINNER?
ARGENTINA. Brazil have a good group of players and the Germans always turn up for tournaments but Argentina have a very good chance.
BRAZIL. there are questions about their defence but their attack is phenomenal and they have been unbeatable — albeit without facing European opponents — for two years.
BRAZIL. I was like a big kid this week filling in my World Cup wallchart with my predictions. In the end, it came down to a Brazil-France final. If that comes to fruition, Brazil win it.
FRANCE. they can be first the country since Brazil (’58 and ’62) to win it back to back. it’s Messi and Ronaldo’s last dance on the biggest stage, but i can see Mbappe making it his tournament.
BRAZIL. Have you seen their forward line? It’s extraordinary and as long as the five-time winners do not implode, there is no reason why they should not lift the trophy again.
BRAZIL. they have the players, the tradition and the know-how. they’ve got the lot. temperature will be a factor and the Brazilians are likely to acclimatise pretty quickly, too.
BRAZIL. Oodles of attacking flair. Settled and solid with so much depth and sure to be adopted by the home crowd.
ARGENTINA. they’re in good form and have a manager who has already delivered the Copa America. With no outstanding team, this could finally be Lionel Messi’s moment.
BRAZIL. It’s not original to pick the favourites but it has been 20 years since Brazil won this trophy and it’s time they put that right.
ARGENTINA. Unbeaten since 2019, Copa America triumph over Brazil last year and potential for a legendary last World Cup for Lionel Messi. the stars seem to be aligning.
HOW FAR WILL ENGLAND GO?
SEMI-FINALS. i can see them reaching the last four and, with a big slice of luck, even the final. But only if harry Kane has a great World Cup.
SEMI-FINALS. If all goes well, it’s going to be a showdown with France in the last eight. We can beat them but I’m not sure our journey goes beyond the semis.
QUARTER-FINALS. England are more than good enough to reach the last eight, where they may face France. i fear the French will ultimately prove too strong for us, although i hope i’m wrong!
QUARTER-FINALS. I’m predicting we’ll reach the last eight before getting our coats as we head home from Qatar.
QUARTER-FINALS. if Kane stays fit then England can go deep into the tournament and it will depend on how kind their half of the draw turns out. But this is an England squad with too many issues to win it.
QUARTER-FINALS. That would set up a meeting with France, where gallant defeat would be an acceptable exit. England could beat them though…
QUARTER-FINALS. Just like the good old days. home for Christmas shopping and mince pies.
QUARTER-FINALS. The squad is missing a standout centre back and midfielder and is overly reliant on Harry Kane. We do better when we’re pessimistic…
LAST 16. For a long time, i have seen the last 16 as a huge hurdle because the Netherlands or Senegal will be formidable opponents. i’ll be pleasantly surprised if England clear it.
SEMI-FINALS. Possible quarter-final against France is not as ominous as it looks, with some big names missing. A Germany free of expectations could lie beyond.
GOLDEN BOOT WINNER?
LIONEL MESSI. Kane is in with a good chance but if Argentina do make this a fitting Messi swansong, the little maestro will take that prize.
NEYMAR. his form for Paris Saint-Germain has been outstanding this season and he really looks to be enjoying himself. the Brazil forward will want to light up this tournament.
KYLIAN MBAPPE. With France as my finalists, the 23-year-old prodigy should have plenty of chances to get in on the goals at this tournament.
KARIM BENZEMA. Kane has a chance, if only because i can see him cleaning up in England’s group, but with France as my winners, i’m backing Karim Benzema to score for fun.
HARRY KANE. Given England’s relatively straightforward group fixtures, I am going for the Spurs man to repeat his feat of 2018 and become the first player to win the award twice.
NEYMAR. this can be the tournament where he becomes a Brazil legend. he’s having an impressive season with PSG and heads into the tournament in good nick.
KYLIAN MBAPPE. The French may be flirting with more farce and self-harm but it won’t stop him scoring goals. Prolific this season with a point to prove after a last-16 exit in the Euros.
LIONEL MESSI. A favourable group where he can rack up the goals early and he will also take penalties and free-kicks.
KYLIAN MBAPPE. Provided France can keep their emotions in check, he’ll show why he’s on £1million a week.
KARIM BENZEMA. has none of the noise that Kylian Mbappe has generated around himself. Arrives on the back of an impressive start to Real Madrid’s season.
DARK HORSES?
SWITZERLAND. they had a great Euros, eliminating France on penalties, and are capable of reaching the knockout stage behind Brazil.
SENEGAL. The best team in Africa and they have world-class quality in all areas. Any team who underestimate them will be in trouble.
DENMARK. they beat France 2-1 in June and 2-0 in September and now they’re in the same group. if the Danes can beat the French again, that can drastically change the make-up of the latter stages.
THE NETHERLANDS. I was going to say Senegal but Mane’s injury is a huge blow. So it’s the Dutch. Not favoured like Brazil, Argentina and France — but have a chance.
DENMARK. Looked seriously capable during their run to the semi-finals of the Euros last summer. they stormed through World Cup qualifying and represent a decent each-way bet.
THE NETHERLANDS. They have all the raw materials to be strong contenders. Van Dijk, De Jong and Depay are big names. If Van Gaal can harness them they’ll be a threat.
CROATIA. Finalists in 2018 but unburdened of pressure and expectation. Nice blend of experience, exciting young players and confidence after topping their Nations League group ahead of France and Denmark.
BELGIUM. The golden generation’s last chance. They’ve never quite hit the heights but anything is possible when you have Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings.
SENEGAL. World-class goalkeeper, outstanding central defender, outstanding midfield, brilliant forwards and a smart manager. Underestimate them at your peril.
THE NETHERLANDS. Big names, small expectations and Louis van Gaal, who proved at Brazil 2014 how adept he is at getting the best out of a talented team.
PLAYER YOU CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH
LIONEL MESSI. Knows it’s his last World Cup and will be aware of the notion — an utterly ludicrous one — that he’s not done it at the previous three.
KYLIAN MBAPPE. i absolutely love him; he scores goals, plays with imagination and if France go the distance, he most likely wins the Golden Boot.
LIONEL MESSI. He always has to be the footballer you’re most looking forward to seeing. The Argentina team are tailored to get the best out of him.
JUDE BELLINGHAM. there are a few, but i’m most intrigued by our Jude. he’s excelled with Dortmund and we’re expecting big performances from him for England, despite his tender age of 19.
LIONEL MESSI. World Cups are about world stars and this is the final time we’ll see the Argentina great on this stage. It would be lovely to witness him do something special.
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN, for purely emotional reasons. We feared for his life when he collapsed on the pitch at Euro 2020. Eighteen months later, he’s playing at the World Cup!
LIONEL MESSI. As ever, it remains a privilege to see him doing his thing and his personal narrative in what will probably be his last World Cup will captivate us all.
KYLIAN MBAPPE. Bound to be more determined than ever after a disappointing Euros and has been in red-hot form for PSG.
LIONEL MESSI. This, most likely, will be his last World Cup. To see the greatest of all time on this stage, in person, will be a privilege.
PEDRi. Young Player of the tournament at Euro 2000 and already a key man for Spain. Wonderful vision in the central areas and superb at linking with the left back.
BREAKOUT STAR?
PhiL FODEN. Still only 22 and a wonderfully gifted player. i think the world will be hearing and talking a lot about him in the weeks ahead.
AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI. It might seem strange flagging up someone who joined Real Madrid for ¤100m in the summer but, trust me, this midfielder is something special.
PEDRi. Barcelona’s 19-year-old midfielder looks like the real deal and this tournament could be the making of him at the heart of Spain’s midfield.
TAKEFUSA KUBO. Given the ridiculous tag ‘The Japanese Messi’ after scoring 73 goals in 30 games for Barca’s youth team at the age of 10. Now 21, Kubo will dazzle in Qatar.
JAMAL MUSiALA. Represented England at youth level but now plays for Germany. has started to show what all the fuss is about and was superb as Germany drew 1-1 with England in Munich at the end of last season.
JUDE BELLINGHAM. One of the biggest talents around. The teen should start for England and everyone will see why he can become one of the best in the world.
RAFAEL LEAO. Direct and destructive, maturing at AC Milan, the Portuguese is finally fulfilling his enormous potential.
KAORU MITOMA. A gifted footballer with brilliant dribbling ability. The Japanese winger is starting to impress for Brighton and a tough group will bring out his best.
GAVi. the noise about him from Spain tells you he is something a little bit different and this is the platform for him to show it.
KAMALDEEN SULEMANA. The 20-year-old Ghanaian is on the fringes of the big time. Has shown pace and quality running at defences for Rennes.