England Barely Given A Chance To Win World Cup By Computer

Now is the time that England splits into two camps, the rational, almost pessimistic, 'we'll be lucky to get out of the group' and the 'WE'RE GOING TO F*CKING WIN IT' well one computer has told us which side to be on.

The first international tournament I could properly understand was Euro 96. That ruined me, I was led to believe kick off times were always good for England and that we always had a team of capable of getting to a semi-final.

Through 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2006 I continued to believe that to be the case by the time the Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008 my optimism had rather diminished.

However buried deep down is a feeling that comes to the fore every time a tournament starts that maybe, just maybe, this will finally be England's time. That 1966 won't be the only success, discounting the 1997 Le Tournoi victory.

With just seven days till the World Cup starts and a further four days till England get their campaign underway it's time to ramp it up to full "It's Coming Home" mode or at least it should be.

According to sports data company Gracenote have worked out that Southgate's side only have a 4% chance of winning the tournament in Russia, less chance than Peru.

Looks like Brazil are going to win the World Cup. Image: Gracenote

If that seems particularly rubbish it is worth noting that Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard and co are still the eighth most likely side to win the tournament.

Brazil are out right favourites according to Gracenote, who run one million simulations of the World Cup based on the probability of wins, draws and losses based on the FIFA ranking of teams.

The Selecao have a 20% chance of winning according to the algorithm with Spain second with 10%, Germany and Argentina both with eight percent, France with six and Colombia and Peru with five.

England will get out of their group apparently. Image: Gracenote.

Fellow Group G dwellers Belgium also have a four percent chance of winning the tournament as do Euro 2016 winners Portugal.

England are thought of having a 71% chance of getting through the Group Stages but only a 41% chance of making it to the quarters and an 18% chance of being in the final four.

Damn your computer and its intelligence. There's a 100% chance England will win!....and a 99% chance we'll end up disappointed.

Topics: Football News, Russia 2018, England, Gareth Southgate, World Cup

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28