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The World Cup is fast approaching and England is looking to end their quest for a World Cup title for the first time since 1966.
Gareth Southgate has picked a rather inexperienced squad, filled with talented youngsters. The Three lions have made some surprise inclusions, like the exciting Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nick Pope, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Whereas veterans like Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott failed to make it into the 23-man squad. The selection shows England's domestic dominance, as all the 23 of them play in the Premier League.
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In their second warm-up match, they defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in a dominant performance by the Three Lions. The English national team have been placed in Group G alongside debutantes Panama, underdogs Tunisia and dark horses Belgium.
They will start their World Cup campaign against underdogs Tunisia on 18th June followed by Panama on 24th June and will conclude the Group stages on 28th June against challengers Belgium.
The squad has enough talent to get through the Group stages with ease. But it would be a test of grit and determination in the latter stages of the tournament
England was dominant in their two warm up matches coming into the tournament. England saw off a gritty Nigeria side 2-1, in a power-packed performance from Harry Kane.
We will look at 5 Key players for the Three Lions at the FIFA World Cup 2018.
#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent-Alexander-Arnold is one of the biggest breakout stars of the premier league this season. Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool academy graduate has been rock solid in defense and a great threat in attack.
The young left-back played a pivotal role for Liverpool in their Champions league campaign only to be defeated 3-1 by eventual champions Real Madrid. The 22-year-old will be a live wire for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
His ability to conjure perfect crosses will make him a player to watch out for in the near future.
#4 Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill has had a mediocre season with the blues. The Blues slumped to a new low in the European competitions by failing to qualify for the champions league next season.
Cahill however ended the season on a high with an FA Cup triumph against arch-rivals Manchester United.
Cahill brings with him a wealth of experience. Cahill will hold the back line for England. Alongside defending, he could come in quite handy by chipping in with a goal or two.
With the retirement of veteran defenders John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, England have been sloppy at times. Cahill will have to step up his game.
#3 Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling the most expensive English signing has had a great season at Manchester City. The English midfielder has not been that impressive on the international stage in comparison with his exploits at club level.
Raheem Sterling has been a regular starter in the English national squad since 2013. Sterling in his 38 matches for the Three Lions has scored only 2 goals.
At the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Raheem Sterling will be under tremendous pressure to perform if the Three Lions are to make any real progress at the mundial.
All stats via transfermarkt
#2 Dele Alli
Tottenham Hotspur finished third in the Premier League and for the second season running qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League.
In the midst of all the action stands the 20 year old play maker who anchors the midfield and finds inch perfect through passes for his teammate Harry Kane.
Dele Alli is one among the sensational talents in the youthful English national team. Alli has great vision and can get the ball in the back of the net with some deadly long rangers. England will be looking to the Spurs midfielder for inspiration at the World Cup.
#1 Harry Kane
Harry Kane since his historic 2014-15 season, has not turned back. In his 7 seasons at Spurs, he has scored 140 goals from 213 matches. The English talisman has recorded at least 30 goals for the fourth year in a row.
The English selectors couldn't keep their eyes shut for long and Harry Kane made his English debut in a 4-0 win against Lithuania.
Harry Kane scored his debut goal after coming on as a substitute. The 24-year-old would be looking to break the jinx of not being able to score in an international tournament
Harry Kane will be leading the English national team for the first time in an International tournament. It will be left to see whether the burden of captaincy will have a toll on his performance or not.
