England

By Natasha Prior

Nickname: ‘The Three Lions’

World Cup appearances: 14

Coach: Gareth Southgate
In December 2016, The Football Association appointed Gareth Southgate as the new head coach of the England football team, on a four-year deal. Southgate named former Chelsea FC assistant coach Steve Holland to assist him in England’s voyage to a World Cup revival.

Captain: Harry Kane
Leading into the 2018 World Cup, striker Harry Kane is set to wear the captain’s armband. Southgate has praised Kane stating: “He is a meticulous professional”. Kane’s debut as captain was in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland in 2017, describing it as one of the biggest moments of his career.

Player to watch: Raheem Sterling
In one of the youngest and least experienced squads in the 2018 World Cup, Raheem Sterling stands out as one of England’s brightest hopes. The 23-year-old is a key feature in England’s attacking force, with quick footwork and composure on and off the ball. Despite recent headlines of his off-field antics about a tattoo of a large semi-automatic rifle on the winger’s leg, Sterling will be eager to let his goal scoring do the talking.

NowUC predictor:
In a group containing world number five-ranked Belgium, England will take second place in Group G, which might set-up a round-of-16 clash against Colombia. If they get past that hurdle, there is a potential quarter-final clash against Germany, who they fell to at the same stage in the 2010 World Cup.

Next stop: Russia. ???????? #threelions pic.twitter.com/2zatwkmdmy

— England (@England) June 7, 2018