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The world's most prestigious tournament is about to take centre stage, granting a month full of breathtaking quality footballing action. 32 teams will lock horns against each other to reach the pinnacle and thus, lift the World Cup.
Here, professional players turn into superstars, stadiums become battlegrounds and football brings out all the emotions from the entire world.
Very little separates teams such as Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain and England on paper, as they are all powerhouses. All these outfits possess solid defenders, remarkable goalkeepers, midfield maestros, wily wingers and super strikers. Speaking of the Englishmen, they have been deplorable in the recent major tournaments, losing to Iceland in the Euros and departing from Brazil in the group stages.
There's no doubt regarding their prowess, as they are crammed with potential. Over the last couple of decades, legendary players have donned the England shirt and served with pride. How could a midfield with Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes not win the World Cup? Well, that's been their story in recent years. The Three Lions have failed to muster major trophies in their cabinet.
However, this time around, they will enter the tournament with a younger, fresher looking squad. This 23-man team consists of the right mix of youngsters, sharpshooters, pass masters and work engines. Also to mention, a manager in Gareth Southgate is more than capable of guiding and nurturing this talented bunch of footballers.
If the Harry Kane-led side can hold their nerves, play with a free mindset and to their full potential, they are proficient enough to end their 52-year drought.
Here, we will try and analyse what England can showcase to the world in this edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Strengths
Their main strength lies in midfield. Dier might not be the most renowned and trendy midfielder, but this system and the style of forward play suits his game almost perfectly.
Probably one of the most underrated players, Eric Dier is a symbol of perseverance, solidity and technical excellence. He reads the game as well as any other world-class player. Going forward, he can pick out pinpoint passes.
Henderson's tackling has improved by some notable distance, which is key. If they can set the wingers free and allow them to have more of the ball, this midfield duo would be the most prolific one in the tournament. The Liverpool captain is a fantastic option to have on the bench.
Another plus point for England is their bench strength. Having opted for a defensive 23-man squad which has the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabian Delph, Harry Maguire and Ashley Young. All of them have ample first-team experience for their respective clubs.
Weaknesses
Down either flank, an out-of-form Danny Welbeck is all Gareth Southgate has on the bench, as a winger.
Next, Rose and Trippier cannot be completely trusted with the wing-back role as it might leave too much space in behind on either side. Matters only get worse because Rashford and Sterling aren't wingers who will offer defensive contribution.
It will not be a plain sail for Kyle Walker at right centre-back either, irrespective of his potential.
Lack of first-team football in the recent season for Danny Welbeck and Marcus Rashford is another area of concern for the Three Lions.
Who to watch out for?
Undoubtedly, the player to look out for is Harry Kane. At a young age of 24, he has alerted the entire world with his goal scoring record. One of the most complete strikers the game has seen, he can score with both feet, from the tightest of angles.
Kane pounces on any space offered in the box and punishes the opposition. He can score long rangers too. The talisman is also in-charge of free kicks and penalties for his team. Last but not the least, he is a fox in the box. Watch out for the Harry Kane-Hurricane!
Another player who is expected to outclass his opponents in Raheem Sterling. Having added maturity, consistency and variety to his game under Pep Guardiola, he looks like a force to be reckoned with.
Sterling's pace coupled with control and decisiveness is sure to be a major threat in the forthcoming tournament. The winger included goals to his name this season, scoring 18 and creating 11 more in the Premier League. He definitely looks stronger and sharper.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a handy man to have on the bench. Oozing talent at the age of 22, the Chelsea midfielder possesses physicality, vision and a proliferating knack of being in the right place at the right time. His surprise inclusion could work wonders for Southgate.
Who will make their best XI?
After claiming the number one jersey, Jordan Pickford will keep goal for England. The young shot-stopper was a consistent figure for Everton and Sunderland and is capable of making the most spectacular saves.
Manchester City centre-half John Stones will be placed at the heart of defence. His club-mate Kyle Walker will play as right centre-back. Walker's defensive game has seen a significant improvement in the last 10 months. Accompanying them will be Chelsea captain Gary Cahill, who has earned a spot for himself in the squad by impressing in the last couple of months.
Southgate's interest in playing wing-backs means that Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier will occupy either side of the flexible defensive setup. Owing to their pace, fearlessness and sharp crossing ability, they add an attacking edge to this side.
Dier will man the midfield. He will be a watchdog, block passing channels, intercept passes and support the attack. In terms of solidity in midfield, there are very few who are as reliable as Eric Dier, The 24-year-old will sit back, play as an extra centre-back if required and hit sweeping passes with accuracy.
Dele Alli will play in an advanced role. He will run into vacant channels, take defenders away from the game and display his dribbling skills. He will be accompanied by another craftsman in Jesse Lingard. The 25-year-old creates chances, links up play and chips in with the important goals.
In behind the striker, the creativity of Raheem Sterling will be seen. A central role could do a world of good to him and the side, as he is a genuine goal scorer.
The attack will be led by none other than Harry Kane, who just knows how to score goals, goals and more goals.
Can they go all the way?
It looks highly unlikely albeit, as a potential quarter-final clash sees them take on defending champions Germany, who are extremely well-balanced and powerful. The match against Roberto Martinez's men is vital as it could decide who tops Group G. Progressing to the knockout stages shouldn't be a huge issue for them this time around, as they are expected to get the better of Panama and Tunisia.
The key is to be clinical in front of goal, take each game as it comes, forget the recent past and play as per one's role in the team. In the 2014 World Cup, they were knocked out after scoring just two goals in three outings. With Harry Kane leading the line, England are expected to at least reach the knockout stage.
Although their goal-scoring chances are boosted with pace and lethal finishing upfront, my personal belief is that they will not progress beyond the quarter-final stage.
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