The World Cup in Qatar is almost here, and coaches working on the teams involved are busy putting the finishing touches to their squads. All selections must be in and registered in plenty of time for the big kick-off and opening game on Sunday, 20th November. Anyone registered after that date won’t be permitted to play at any stage of the competition.
Managers must get it correct the first time, as there’s no margin for error. There will be no opportunities to change their mind after the competition begins and the games start to come thick and fast. Going with their strongest 11 isn’t an option either. Coaches need a squad of players with the talents to help them win games against some of the best on the planet. They need regular starters, players with the character and ambition to come off the bench and enhance the team, and great squad depth.
All coaches are feeling the pressure at this crucial stage of preparation. But few are feeling the strain quite as much as England boss Gareth Southgate. The former England defender doesn’t have his problems to seek, including the team being backed by the Georgia sports betting apps to lift the trophy. Being one of the bookies’ favorites comes with added weight.
Southgate must prove himself
The high expectations of fans and the UK media don’t help much. Does England have what it takes to win the World Cup? They certainly have a great chance, but only if they do this one thing right – the squad. Any mistakes in choosing which players to take to Qatar and which to leave behind could be the difference between winning and returning home early.
Most bosses will be celebrated by the team’s supporters for making it to the World Cup, but not Southgate. English football fans have notoriously high standards regarding what they expect from their team. Since 1966, England has done little of note in this competition, and followers are fast becoming sick of the disappointment. There are now two generations of fans that have never seen England win the trophy. Will that change in what’s left of 2022?
That depends largely on Southgate getting his squad selection perfect. Some players like Harry Kane pick themselves and will already be confident about booking a plane seat to the Arab World. Others still have work to do but are running out of time. Then there are the fringe players who hope the phone rings and are told to pack their backs for Qatar. But even they know it would be a shock if they were invited.
Poor results add to the pressure
There’s more going on in the England camp than merely choosing the best squad of players to take to Qatar. Many football pundits expected a new manager to be in place by now following a dreadful run of results in the lead-up to this competition. England hasn’t been performing, and fans are at a loss as to why that is.
Is it a lack of effort from the players, is there disharmony in the camp, or has Southgate finally run his race? It happens at the top level; sometimes, a freshen-up is all it takes. Changes at the top could give this team the lift they need, but Southgate remains, and the team he picks will be united behind him. Any player who doesn’t support and trust the manager won’t be in Qatar. It’s as simple as that.
Some of England’s most alarming recent results include a 3-3 draw at home to Germany, a 1-0 defeat in Italy, and a 4-0 thumping when hosting Hungary in the summer. That was a match England was the hot favorite to win but failed to even be competitive against a dogged and determined Hungarian team.
World Cup betting
The leading online sportsbooks have released their betting odds, meaning you can make predictions and place bets now. There’s no need to wait for the opening ceremony, and you could even land a higher price on your selection by acting early.
Brazil is the pre-competition betting favorite ahead of 2018 winners France, Argentina, and England. Some dark horses are also in the mix, including Germany and the United States.
