World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why England could become champions in Russia

England's time in Russia has been breath-taking so far. Having booked their place in the first round of World Cup knockouts against Columbia, they are brimming with confidence.

Courtesy of their 1-0 defeat to Belgium, the team has avoided a massive opponent like Brazil in the quarter-finals should either progress to the last eight.

A string of remarkable displays in the group stage left viewers awed. The English fans have every reason to believe that the big prize is finally coming home.

That said, here are three reasons why The Three Lions could be set to lift the ultimate prize in 2018.

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#3 Young guns blazing

The three lions have been firing on all fronts.

Gareth Southgate has a group of very talented young players under his management. There are plenty of names like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard, John Stones, to name a few who are desperate to make a mark on the big stage.

These are players who are looking forward to announcing themselves to the world after impressing at club level. The attitude of these players is truly amazing.

Despite having a star striker like Harry Kane, the team isn't over reliant on him. Had it not been for their recklessness in front of goal, they would've netted at least four past Tunisia.

The defense appears to be promising as well, with John Stones and Harry Maguire at the heart of it. The prevalent five at the back system provides the Englishmen enough rigidity at the back.

The creativity in the form of players like Jesse Lingard has been the key to England's performances so far.

A team like this firing on all fronts deserves the license to aim for the biggest prize.

#2 The sensational Harry Kane

Kane has carried his club form to Russia.

Harry Kane is easily the hottest property in the game at the moment. The 24 year old marksman has been in sensational form for a few seasons.

He has carried his club form to Russia and leads England's attack with substance. The fact that he has scored more than 50 percent of his team's goals in the tournament so far speaks the volumes of his talent.

Kane leads the score charts with 5 goals, and appears in no mood to stop. He is an absolute beast who needs to be feared by any defense standing against him.

He would definitely be the man the team would turn to if they are willing to lift the World Cup. Now more than ever, England finally have a striker they can count upon.

The Spurs striker needs to brace himself up ahead of the knock-outs and deliver when needed.

#1 Lack of expectations

England's record isn't impressive in the last few international tournaments

England have a terrible record in the last few international competitions. Despite being the home of football.

They only have themselves to blame for such a situation. The Englishmen crashed out of Euro 2016 against Iceland in the Round of 16. Earlier in 2014, they couldn't make it to the last 16 of the competition.

However, the same could turn the odds in their favor now. No one expects England to make it to the semi-finals let alone lift the trophy. Entering into the last eights and beyond they could be facing giants like Brazil, Spain or France. These teams are here to play for pride.

An added pressure of performance is what England do not have at the tournament. This hands the team a certain advantage.

For all these reasons, England could be set to bring the most prestigious trophy in the sport home after a wait of more than half a century.