To continue with the 2018 FIFA World Cup preview here on Zarb times, we will now shift our focus onto 1966 World Cup winners England.
England
In the past 4 years, England have undergone some massive changes. First of all, the squad is barely recognisable from that of 4 years ago, with only 5 of this year's squad being there 4 years ago in Brazil. This has its advantages as well as its disadvantages.
On one hand, it means that for many, the slate is wiped clean and the disastrous 2014 World Cup performance does not hang over their heads. On the other hand, however, it could be argued that there's a lack of experience within the squad. Also, there's been a change of management since the last major tournament (Euro 2016) - as Roy Hodgson resigned following the humiliating defeat to Iceland that tournament, and was first replaced by Sam Allardyce - though that only lasted one match (which he did win, meaning he is the only ever England manager in history to have a 100% win rate), as Allardyce was forced to resign in the wake of controversial allegations.
Now it's Gareth Southgate in charge of the team, who, all considered, has done a decent job in my opinion. He's given youth a chance, and is not afraid of reputations, which has shown in his World Cup squad selection. One notable selection was that of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who, on the evidence of two warm-up friendlies before the World Cup against Nigeria and Costa Rica, has definitely justified being selected in the squad, and, in my opinion, deserves to be in the starting 11 for the first game against Tunisia.
Arguably England go into this year's tournament with little to no expectations, which could help the players perform better since they have nothing to lose as well as little pressure. The target should be to at least qualify for the last 16, and, considering the opposition they could face in the last 16 (IF they qualify!), then the quarter-finals could be a realistic target.
Although there's little expectation, there is optimism that things are improving and that the team boasts technically better players, and that there's a good structure in place - which although may not yield instant success or success in the 2018 World Cup, should bode well for future major tournaments.