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The World Cup Is 30 Days Away

The World Cup Is 30 Days Away

The countdown begins.

Jacque Talbot

Jacque Talbot

The World Cup 2018 is just around the corner - just 30 days away, in fact - and we're as excited as anyone.

And for this tournament in Russia, there's plenty to chew over.

The hosts will be one to watch. Their manager, Stanislav Cherchesov, was appointed after the country's disappointing time at Euro 2016 and adopts a 3-5-2 formation.

There are also the outsiders, as such Egypt. It would be unfair to describe the country as a one-man team, but when their star player, Mohamed Salah is in the form that he's in, 44 goals in 51 games for the King this season, it's hard to see past him as their major driving force.

Another side who tend to slip under the radar is Portugal. Look at what they're capable of and what they achieved at the last major competition. Of course, they have Cristiano Ronaldo, who is somehow defying his aging body. Those who thought he peaked are now second-guessing themselves. With CR7 this team are capable of anything.

Messi
Messi

Favourites include Argentina. Any team that has Lionel Messi in their ranks has an outside chance of winning the whole thing. If Argentina were to win it, some would argue, there would be no question about who is the greatest of all time. That's an incentive for Messi.

Brazil might not be the force they once were, but that doesn't mean they're not capable. The last World Cup is a tournament they want to forget. They'll be out to prove a point this time.

There are chinks in the German armour, they say. The squad are apparently going through a transition and are lacking up-front. Step forward 22-year-old Timo Werner. He has scored 42 goals in his last 77 games for RB Leipzig.

England
England

Then, there's England, of course. But most will just be happy if the side manage to make it out the group stages. All those years of hurt, etc. We're not expecting much from Gareth Southgate's men.

Either way, this year is set to be one to remember. Bring on the sunshine, beer, and big TVs.

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Topics: Football News, Football, England, World Cup