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Ranking the World Cup groups

By Adam Stocker

CHORZOW, POLAND - MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)
CHORZOW, POLAND - MARCH 27: Robert Lewandowski of Poland celebrates scoring a goal during international friendly match between Poland and Korea Republic at Slaski Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Chorzow, Poland. (Photo by Lukasz Sobala/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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20171010 – Brussels, Belgium / Fifa World Cup 2018 Qualifying match: Belgium v Cyprus / “Eden HAZARD – Thorgan HAZARD – Celebration”European Qualifiers / Qualifying Round Group H / “picture by Vincent Van Doornick / Isosport
20171010 – Brussels, Belgium / Fifa World Cup 2018 Qualifying match: Belgium v Cyprus / “Eden HAZARD – Thorgan HAZARD – Celebration”European Qualifiers / Qualifying Round Group H / “picture by Vincent Van Doornick / Isosport /

7. Group G: Belgium, England, Panama and Tunisia

Group G features plenty of big-name players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Harry Kane. All of those players, unfortunately, play for either England or Belgium, which takes much of the fun out of proceedings. Panama and Tunisia aren’t good. England and Belgium play in the last match of the group, on June 28, almost certainly to decide who finishes top.

Belgium reached the quarterfinal in 2014, and have higher expectations this summer. The starting XI is loaded with Premier League stars, and Youri Tielemans should be considered one of the favorites to win the Best Young Player Award. Roberto Martinez’s inability to organize a defense should make Belgium an exciting team to watch.

England’s record at World Cups is miserable. They failed to win a game in Brazil, but bring a very different team to Russia. Only five players from the 2014 squad will play this summer, and this is the first opportunity for Tottenham stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli on the world stage. With Raheem Sterling joining them in attack, the Three Lions have the potential to excite.

Panama are playing in their first World Cup this summer, but face an uphill battle to get past the Group G favorites. Tunisia, meanwhile, have qualified for four World Cups but only won a single game. If they’re to improve that record this summer, they’ll probably have to beat Panama, a mouthwatering prospect for all involved.