World Cup preview: Group L – will Tuchel lead England to glory? | OneFootball

The World Cup is almost upon us. From June 11 til July 19, 48 countries will fight to become World Champions in the tournament held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The teams in the tournament have already been drawn into 12 separate groups. Group L contains England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Thomas Tuchel will be expecting a strong start as the Three Lions aim to end their 60-year wait for glory this summer.

Here’s a preview of the teams hoping to make it out of Group L:

England

After Gareth Southgate guided England to World Cup semi-finals and quarter-finals and back-to-back Euros finals, the aim is now firmly fixed on silverware. Thomas Tuchel is the man that has been brought in to take the Three Lions across the line. The German coach made some big calls with his squad selection, but he will be hoping to see it pay off.

England come into this World Cup with a core group of players that know exactly what it is like to go deep in international tournaments. They are supplemented by a wave of highly-talented fresh faces, who will be eager to make an impression. England are continuing to produce world class talents at a prolific rate, and it seems like just a matter of time until they finally get their hands on silverware. Their route will be far from straightforward, but this summer could be the one.

Player to watch: Eliot Anderson – simply a fantastic footballer. The central midfielder is being chased by every top team this summer and he will show why at his first international tournament.

Stage of elimination prediction: Semi-final

Croatia

Croatia arrive at the tournament after an impeccable record in recent World Cups. Last time out they reached the semi-finals, eventually finishing third, and they went all the way to the final in the tournament prior. Croatia have been one of the biggest overachievers in international football of late, and would love that to continue.

They will take a squad that, although there are some notable exceptions, is on the whole ageing – captain Luka Modric is now into his 40s. Nevertheless, they have been underestimated and slipped under the radar plenty of times before. In many ways that is their speciality.

Player to watch: Luka Vuskovic – after a seriously impressive season in the Bundesliga, the 19-year-old defender, loaned out by Tottenham, could be trusted at the World Cup.

Stage of elimination prediction: Quarter-final

Ghana

Despite not qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament that took place earlier this year, Ghana will be at the World Cup. The Black Stars have not reached the knockout stages since their famous run in the 2010 World Cup. They will hope to return there this summer.

There is reason for Ghanians to be optimistic too. Their squad boasts a number of top level players that are well-established in Europe’s top leagues. However, they are perhaps a bit short on options at the back. The group draw is not an easy one either and they will certainly have their work cut out for them.

Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo – his electric form in the Premier League earned him a move to Manchester City where he continued to perform. His country will now expect him to step up for them.

Stage of elimination prediction: Group stage

Panama

Panama will play in just their second-ever World Cup, and are once again drawn against England. However, the Central American country have come on leaps and bounds since 2018. Their FIFA world ranking reflects this, slashed in half from 71st in 2018 to 33rd now.

In a World Cup hosted very close to their home, there will be high hopes that they can pull off something special. Panama reached the quarter-finals at the last Copa America and recently reached the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Although they lack recognised top level players, they will arrive with belief and will be fuelled by passion.

Player to watch: Adalberto Carrasquilla – the dynamic midfielder has regularly impressed as a key man for his country.

Stage of elimination prediction: Group stage