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#7 Uruguay | Squad value: £274.32m | Points: 1637
The third of four CONMEBOL nations on this list, Uruguay continue to punch above their weight with their incredible might and fighting spirit. La Celeste remain the smallest-ever nation in terms of population to have ever won a World Cup, and by a significant margin.
The two-time world champions, under the experienced Oscar Tabarez, have put up a host of impressive displays and finishes over the last couple of decades. With the exception of one group-stage elimination in 2016 in the Copa America, Uruguay have a fourth-place finish, two quarter-final appearances, and a winners' medal from 2011 to show for in the South American tournament.
Perhaps their most impressive achievement in recent years came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, and other Uruguayan stars helped them to an impressive fourth-place finish — and their first semi-final appearance in the tournament in four decades. The Atletico Madrid and Manchester United forwards still remain at the forefront of Tabarez's attack.
#6 Spain | Squad value: £758.25m | Points: 1639
Next up on this list is arguably the most successful European side and possibly international side since the turn of the century, Spain. Despite being blessed with a host of star players through the years, La Roja failed to leave their mark on the international stage too often, with a number of group stage and quarter-final exits in major tournaments.
However, that all changed in 2008, when Spain made the world stand up and take notice of what was one of the greatest eras of any side in international football. Spain took Europe by storm by rioting their way to the 2008 UEFA Euros hosted by Austria and Switzerland under the guidance of the late Luis Aragones. His successor, Vicente Del Bosque, built on this platform by guiding La Roja to their first-ever World Cup title, and followed it up with another Euro title in 2012.
This golden four-year period of dominance was nothing short of breathtaking from Spain, who lost just one out of the combined total of 19 games in these tournaments during this era. As a result of their disappointing exits at this level in the last few years, current coach Luis Enrique would hope for a strong return in the upcoming Euro 2021.
#5 Portugal | Squad value: £686.25m | Points: 1661
Another European football giant, the Portuguese national team has seen some of the biggest names in football represent them, including perhaps one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Selecao had a superb run of impressive finishes in major tournaments in the 21st century which culminated in a landmark achievement.
After suffering heartbreak on their own soil in 2004 at the hands of Greece, Ronaldo and a new generation of Portuguese talents fired their nation to their first-ever piece of major international honours in 2016. They beat France in the final of the 2016 UEFA Euro on their own turf and etched their names into the history books. Portugal went on to win a second trophy in 2019 as they beat Netherlands in the final of the inaugural UEFA Nations League without a single defeat in their campaign.
The Selecao, led by top-scorer and highest-capped player Ronaldo, will look to defend their crown at the upcoming Euros under the tutelage of Fernando Santos. The legendary coach has a luxurious pool of talent to call upon apart from his star man, including Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Bernardo Silva, and a host of others.
#4 England | Squad value: £1.26bn | Points: 1669
England know all about what golden generations are. The Three Lions went into major tournaments in the past with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry at the back, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the middle, and a host of other superstars including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, and so on. Yet, they astonishingly returned empty-handed despite their numerous star-studded line-ups.
In 2018, Gareth Southgate took a relatively impressive side to Russia and was one win away from taking them to their first World Cup final since their historic win in 1966, but ultimately succumbed to Luka Modric's Croatia. However, this inspired run has instilled a new hope in the Three Lions for major tournaments in the future despite their rather underwhelming results in recent weeks.
The current generation of players available to call upon is absolutely stunning, including names such as Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jadon Sancho, and an endless list of superstars. England boast of, by far, the most valuable squad on this list and would hope to make their mark on the international stage in the coming years.
Also read: 10 Biggest Ballon d'Or wins in football history
