World Cup 2018 power rankings
By James Dudko
2. Germany
The holders come in second despite the rare presence of Marco Reus along their forward line. Injury problem have usually prevented Reus from taking the next step in his career his awesome talent demands, namely making an international tournament his own.
The Borussia Dortmund star can flourish in Russia as part of a varied attack. Leroy Sane was good enough to be named Young Player of the Year after helping City win the Premier League.
His pace and shooting power is supplemented by the similar traits of PSG forward Julian Draxler. They will work around the clever running of Thomas Muller.
Things are just as bountiful in midfield, where Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil continue to hold sway.
The regular names are still marquee players. But Die Mannschaft remain strong because of their incredible depth.
Not many nations are able to call on squad players the calibre of Sebastian Rudy, Julian Brandt, Ilkay Gundogan and Timo Werner.
Germany’ main issue will be whether Bayern Munich pair goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and defender Jerome Boateng are fully fit after lengthy injury layoffs.
Boateng’s central partnership with Mats Hummels isn’t always the most secure, but they are the best defensive options coach Joachim Low has.