5 things that could help Germany retain the World Cup

Germany head into the 2018 World Cup in Russia as firm favourites to retain the title, after dominating the qualification stage for the World Cup.

Germany coach Joachim Löw has one of the deepest squads in world football, with multiple options for each position and players who give him different options.

The Germans are placed in Group F, with Sweden, Mexico and South Korea the other three teams, which should make progress to the knockout stages a breeze for the champions.

But what are the other factors that can help Germany progress further in the knockout stages and finally win at all? I assess the five things that will be key for Germany in this World Cup:

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#1 Manuel Neuer's return to the side

The German captain is back after a season riddled with injury

When it was announced that Manuel Neuer fractured his foot in September of last year, many feared that the German captain wouldn't have enough time to recover and make it to the German squad for the World Cup.

But Neuer made a swift recovery after a few setbacks and Löw included him in the squad for the World Cup. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper did not make a single appearance for his club since his return from injury.

The German, though, played for his country in the last two friendly games against Austria and Saudi Arabia. But the intensity and pressure of a World Cup game pale in comparison to friendly games, and even a champion player like Neuer -- perhaps the best sweeper 'keeper out there -- will be tested under the bright lights of a World Cup game.

Neuer is key to Germany and their quest to win back-to-back World Cups, and German fans will hope that he is back to his best in Russia.

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#2 Squad depth

Kroos will be one of the main men for Germany

The Germans boast of one of the strongest squads in this year's World Cup with two or more quality players for each position.

Each player brings something different to the side. In attack, Timo Werner adds pace to the frontline; Thomas Muller is exceptional at finding space in the box; Marco Reus brings guile and tenacity to attacks; while Mesut Ozil can pick a pass better than most in the game.

The midfield has the yin and yang combo of Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos - two players that bring to different aspects of the midfield game to the table; one is combative and has presence, while the other is a human clock in the middle of the field. Leon Goretzka and Sebastian Rudy are the two other options for Low in midfield - two quality options for the Germans who offer something different.

Joachim Löw has several options in defence across the backline with the trusted duo of Hummels and Boateng most likely to form the heart of the defence. Matthias Ginter, Niklas Süle and Antonio Rüdiger could deputise for the duo - all three who've had good seasons for their clubs.

#3 Form of Timo Werner

Werner has all the attributes to be a world-class player

Timo Werner has been in exceptional for club and country in the last two seasons. The RB Leipzig forward has scored 42 goals in two seasons for the German club, helping his team to a historic second-place finish in the 2016-17 season, and a sixth-place finish in the recently concluded season.

Werner is perhaps the biggest goal-scoring threat for the Germans in the World Cup as his pace and movement can upset the sternest of defences.

The 22-year-old has also had an impressive start to the national team, scoring 8 goals in 14 games! He will surely be the spearhead of the German attack and will look set to impress at the World Cup as a switch to Bayern Munich is on the horizon.

#4 Defensive stability

Boateng and Hummels will be key for Germany at the back

The triumvirate of Neuer, Hummels and Boateng was the key to Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph and the Bayern Munich trio's powers haven't waned four years on.

There may be some doubt about Neuer's fitness post his fracture and absence from football, but it is easier to get to full fitness when between the posts and in front of two rock-solid defenders.

Although the German defence has let in seven goals in the last five matches, come crunch time, the German machine will come into full force and firing on all cylinders. With Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich commanding the full-back options, and able options in Niklas Sule and Matthias Ginter in defence, the Germans will be a formidable force to get past.

The Germans conceded just four goals in their entire 2014 World Cup campaign and if they are the same miserly, stubborn self, they could go a long way in the 2018 World Cup.

#5 Perfect balance of youth and experience

Germany will look to retain their World Cup in Russia

German coach Joachim Löw has included nine players from the 2014 World Cup-winning squad to Russia, as well as included some quality youngsters to the team.

Manchester City's Leroy Sane was a shock omission from the German squad, but the likes of Julian Brandt, Timo Werner and Leon Goretzka can set the world alight at the 2018 World Cup.

Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels bring experience, a winning mentality, and pedigree to the table.

The squad has all areas covered and experienced hands to ably guide the youngsters to achieve the double.