World Cup 2018: England

Before the 2018 World Cup starts in Moscow next June 14, Brussels Express will present all EU national teams involved in the competition. Chapter V: England.

Will England set the record straight this summer? English football is indeed quite a riddle. The clubs are part of the richest and the best of the World, and many of the most attractive football players basically play in Premier League. But when it comes to the National team, the English haven’t achieved what they aimed to over the last decades.

1966, the only time when England won the World Cup is really far away and the last UEFA Euro Cup was quite disappointing, as the English team got eliminated in the groups stages by Iceland.

The World Cup qualifying round exactly confirmed that uncertainty. Although England was not defeated during that round, the lack of real rivalry (the most significant one was Slovakia) does not allow answering concrete questions.

Although Belgium is a very serious competitor, passing the first round is doable (England will also play vs. Panama and Tunisia).

Key Player: Harry Kane

Despite the doubts on the level of the English national team, the Brits definitely can count on Harry Kane. He has indeed realised full and impressive seasons for three years, and he was the best scorer of the Premier League both in 2016 and 2017. In 2017/2018, he scored 30 times in 37 games, which makes him one of the best scorers across the World.

The 24-years old player is still young, but the World Cup is a perfect opportunity to show his leadership skills and a high-level experience.

Calendar:

18 June – Tunisia vs. England.

21 June – England vs. Panama.

26 June – England vs. Belgium.

Places to watch the games in Brussels:

Rue Archimède: rue Archimède is THE British area in Brussels. The most famous pubs will surely play the games England plays. You then can pop down in Funky Monkey, Hairy Canary or James Joyce.