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The value of a football team might not tell the entire story about their talents and the ings they can do, but there's no doubt that it helps in giving a general idea about their capabilities on paper.
Since no transfers can take place when it comes to international competitions, the monetary worth of teams isn't given much attention, in contrast to club squads.
With just 3 more days to go before football aficionados start feasting themselves with World Cup games, the greatest show on earth promises to be a thrilling competition, given the number of contenders that have been predicted to win the golden trophy.
However, out of sheer curiosity about which nation possesses the most valuable set of players on the planet, here's a list of the top 5 valuable teams that will be taking to the turf in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
#5 England (€874 million)
England makes it to the top 5 most valuable squads in the World Cup this year by beating Belgium who are in the sixth place. It's rather surprising to see the Three Lions move ahead of the Red Devils, with the latter boasting big names like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Toby Aldreweireld.
And yet, England have a safe gap of €120 million between themselves and Belgium. Further, the average age of England's 23-man squad is 26.1, and they rank 12th in the FIFA World Rankings.
England's most precious player is Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane (€150m), followed by teammate Dele Alli (€100m) and Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling (€90m).
The Three Lions have been drawn in Group G with Panama, Tunisia and, interestingly, Belgium. Now that they have beaten the Red Devils in the race for the most valuable squad, can they do the same in the group stages?
England vs Belgium is most definitely a fixture to watch out for when the tournament kicks off.
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#4 Germany (€883 million)
The defending champions and also one of the favourites to win this edition. Germany boasts a number of priceless players in their ranks. Add to that the fact that they have a brilliant squad depth in their ranks, which explains why they are touted to be favourites to win the World Cup this year.
Die Mannschaft's average age of the 23-man squad is 27.1, and they are currently leading the FIFA World Rankings.
Germany's most valuable player is Real Madrid anchorman Toni Kroos (€80m). Following him are Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Timo Werner, all valued at €60 million. Joshua Kimmich (€55m) is their third most prized asset, in terms of ranking.
Drawn in Group F alongside Mexico, Sweden and South Korea, there hardly seems a tough test for the Germans who are expected to win the group rather effortlessly.
#3 Brazil (€981 million)
Five-time World Cup winners Brazil hardly disappoint on the pitch, and they have learnt to do that on paper as well.
With an average age of 28.6, they are the oldest squad on this list, but one with the goods required to lift the famous golden trophy. They are currently in second place in the FIFA World Rankings, which shows they deserve to be feared and respected in the tournament.
Brazil's most valuable asset is, of course, their skipper and PSG talisman Neymar (€180m), followed by Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho (€100m) The duo are also the most expensive footballers on earth at the moment. Following them, are Premier League stars Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus, who are both valued at €80 million.
Brazil will face Costa Rica, Switzerland and Serbia in the group stage, as they try and mount a challenge to win a record sixth World Cup this summer.
#2 Spain (€1.03 billion)
After crashing out of the group stages in the 2014 World Cup, Spain will be adamant on proving their mettle as one of the best international teams. And, they also have the necessary means to do so.
La Furia Roja have an average age of 28.5, which makes them the second oldest team on this list. They are currently ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, a stat they will be more than keen on improving.
Coming as a bolt from the blue, Barcelona anchorman Sergio Busquets (€80m) is their most valuable player, followed by Real Madrid playmakers Isco and Marco Asensio at €75 million. David De Gea, Koke and Saul Niguez have all been valued at €70 million.
Spain will face Portugal, Morocco and Iran in the group stages, battling to avoid a back-to-back World Cup group stage fiasco in Russia, while also attempting to stake their claim for a second title.
#1 France (€1.08 billion)
After their miserable defeat in the Euro 2016 finals against Portugal, France are being considered to be the ultimate favourites to lift the World Cup title in Russia. Boasting one of the strongest sides with an insane squad depth, Les Blues have an excellent blend of youth and experience.
Didier Deschamps' men are the youngest squad in the competition with an average age of 26. Further, they are currently 7th in the FIFA World Rankings.
PSG attacker Kylian Mbappe (€120m) is the most valuable player in the French squad. Following him, are Atletico Madrid's talisman Antoine Griezmann (€100m) and Manchester United star Paul Pogba (€90m).
France will face Australia, Peru and Denmark in the Group C, which appears to be somewhat of a cakewalk for Les Blues.
All values courtesy: Transfermarkt.com
