The aforementioned sharks of the fish-tank that is the FIFA World Cup Brazil, Spain, Argentina and Germany may seem like the tournament is theirs to lose, but none of these talented international squads are without their faults. This will mean that when England emerge from Group D, they wont face the challenge of playing against a team which apparently outclasses them in every aspect of the game. Brazil touted by all bookies as the team most likely to win may have an exciting team who will surely produce some figurative fireworks on the pitch, but their winning the tournament is by no means guaranteed. The expectations and pressure that come with being the favourites will play heavily on the psychology of the fledgling squad, particularly when playing on home soil. Further, talented players like Lucas Moura have inexplicably been left off the squad while a plethora of defensive midfielders have been included this is seemingly incongruous with Brazils traditional offensive playing style. Spain have for so long dominated international football and are the current holders of the World Cup, but this reign may be set to finally come to an end. The two architects who had led the Barcelona-influenced tika-taka style which had allowed Spain to enjoy so much success have both declined. In particular Xavi who was often cited as being the finest playmaker in the game showed his age last season and this had had a knock-on effect on the quality of Andres Iniesta. The importance of these two midfielders in the Spanish squad cannot be understated; even the addition of Diego Costa may not be enough. Much like Uruguay, Argentina may enjoy an insanely dangerous offensive unit with the likes Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio and Angel Di Maria but this quality doesnt translate into the rest of the squad. Moreover, Messi may be touted as the worlds greatest player but his record for the national side has been lacklustre wearing the white and blue of Argentina, Messi has scored only one goal in two world cups. After what has been a disappointing season by his standards, the Barcelona forward will have to have an amazing World Cup if Argentina are to lift the trophy. Ostensibly Germany may have the most balanced team headed for Brazil. The worlds best goal keeper, a solid back four and one of the finest midfields on the planet. However, Joachim Löws squad lack a world-class goal scorer to consistently deliver the final blow. German fans across the country must curse the fact that Robert Lewandowski never attempted to prove his German parentage This lack of a quality focal point combined with the recent injury of the sublime Marco Reus means that England would do well to not overestimate their old rivals.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
