10 Reasons Why England Can Win World Cup 2018

No more years of hurt.

By Mike Pedley /

It's been 52 years since the Three Lions lifted the World Cup trophy for the one and only time in their history, and while many England fans doubt they'll ever see such a glorious occasion with their own eyes, the thought of Gareth Southgate's squad winning this summer's tournament in Russia isn't the most outlandish idea in the world.

Advertisement

Sure, England have failed to live up to expectations on the biggest stage time and time again, and the nation as a whole doesn't seem to have very high hopes heading into the 2018 edition of football's greatest tournament, but there are more than a few reasons for Three Lions fans to be optimistic.

It's easy to see why so many fans have lost faith, with England currently sitting in the unlucky 13th spot in FIFA's world rankings, but the squad is filled with young talent, and many English players are coming off the back of excellent seasons with their respective clubs.

In all honesty, it's doubtful that England will go all the way, but let's at least give ourselves a little hope with a lighthearted look at some reasons why Harry Kane and company could be getting their hands on the trophy in Moscow on the 15th of July.

10. Winnable Group

Back at the 2014 World Cup, England found themselves in the veritable 'Group of Death', drawn alongside Italy, Uruguay, and Costa Rica. Even the mighty Italians didn't make it out of that group, but for 2018, England have been handed a much kinder draw, having been pit against Belgium, Tunisia, and Panama in Group G.

Advertisement

Panama are in 55th place in the FIFA rankings and are appearing at their first ever tournament, while Tunisia haven't featured at a World Cup since 2006 and have never gotten past the group stage. Both teams shouldn't be underestimated and have some great players, including Gabriel Torres for Panama and Wahbi Khazri for Tunisia, but England should be expected to make it out of this group.

The game against Belgium could prove decisive, but all that matters to England is qualification. In fact, the winners of Group G could end up with a harder path to the final, so even if England finish second, it wouldn't be the end of the world for the Three Lions.

Advertisement