World Cup 2018 power rankings
By James Dudko
10. England
If a squad was judged based solely on their firepower, England would be much higher on this list. Not many nations feature strikers as skilled and prolific as Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane.
Vardy’s pace and knack for goal led to him scoring 23 times for Leicester this season. Kane was deadlier still, helping himself to 41 goals in all competitions for Spurs.
Letting both Kane and Vardy lead the line is the smartest choice coach Gareth Southgate can make. Southgate will also be aware of how the pace and movement of Raheem Sterling will frighten World Cup defenses.
The Manchester City wide forward has made terrific strides this season. He’s primed for a productive tournament.
England’s problem will be keeping an attacking trio this good supplied with chances. It’s an issue borne from a lack of numbers and craft in midfield.
Southgate has placed a heavy burden on Chelsea loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek in central areas. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson or Tottenham holding player Eric Dier can provide defensive balance in the middle, but neither possesses the instincts to create much going forward.
If neither Dele Alli nor Jesse Lingard can pick up the slack, England will be workmanlike and lacking in the attacking inspiration needed to go far.