World Cup 2022 tips: Can England go all the way in Qatar?

They've certainly got the talent at their disposal with a very strong squad. The Three Lions come into this tournament on the back of a very poor UEFA Nations League campaign and manager Gareth Southgate's tactics have been questioned frequently by the media.

It can be argued that Southgate is too defensive in his approach and needs to 'let go of the reins' so to speak with England's most significant talents being in attack.

This England squad certainly ticks the box for strength in depth and it's hard to just focus on one key man.

Harry Kane carries the armband and will be expected to be England's main goalscorer throughout the tournament. He won the Golden Boot at the previous World Cup in Russia back in 2018 and he's one of the favourites to repeat that feat. He's not a bad bet in the top scorer market at around 9/1.

Jude Bellingham is the player who could have the biggest impact on this side, he's a true gem and has already become Dortmund's talisman, recently captaining the German giants at just 19 years of age.

He's the definition of a box-to-box midfielder, a frequent scorer at Borussia Dortmund with nine goals in just 20 starts this season. 

Phil Foden is another exciting prospect and he'll likely start on either flank. A player full of creativity and a keen eye for a goal, he will feel a lot more mature going into this tournament, a man with the capability of producing game-winning moments on a regular basis.

England look a bit weaker defensively from Euro 2020 with Reece James injured and Harry Maguire badly out of form. Kieran Trippier will likely be vital for Southgate with his ability to play in either full-back position.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has his critics, but he's never let his country down and he'll have a big part to play if this side is to succeed.

Expected starting line-up

Southgate is expected to go with a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on several of his experienced players.

Road to the Final

England are placed in Group B and will begin their campaign vs a stingy Iran side, who can be difficult to score against, however it's highly anticipated that England will win their opener.

If England finish first in the group as expected, they could face either Ecuador or Senegal in the round of 16, another match the Three Lions will be heavy favourites to qualify from.

Quarter-finals and onwards are anybody's game and France feel a very real possibility, this would represent a very tough test for England, but one they are capable of passing.

Who they would potentially face in the semis is a minefield but Serbia or Belgium looks likely; yes Serbia are one of our dark horses.

Should England reach another major final, the expectation is that they would meet one of the South American favourites Brazil or Argentina, they would be second favourites for this game, but anything can happen in a final.

The Verdict

This side have a lot more experience following Euro 2020 heartbreak and Southgate has led them to major semi-finals in his last two attempts.

Despite all this, England does not represent enough value at their quoted price of 9/1 or 10/1 to lift the trophy.

The defensive decline in this side is concerning alongside the Nations League failures, and other top nations will be able to exploit Southgate's troops if they go deeper into the tournament.