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This year's World Cup is already proving to be one of the best in terms of drama, top-quality goals and upsets. Defending champions Germany finished last in a group consisting of Mexico, Sweden and South Korea. Lionel Messi's Argentina barely made it to the knockouts while every top team struggled to get going barring England, who surprisingly played well and booked their round of 16 spot just after 2 games.
Now, the knockout stages are set to begin and the margin for error is as low as it can be. Teams will work out strategies based on the opponent and even play different personnel if required. However, not all teams are blessed with quality depth and it could prove to be a major factor in the later stages.
Out of the remaining 16 teams, there are a few who have the squads to practically field 2 XIs. This bench strength comes in very handy in case of tactical changes, injuries and suspensions. Hence, let us take a look at the top 5 teams who boast of such depth:
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#5 England
England look to have finally put their disappointing international record behind them this time around. Gareth Southgate has done a tremendous job since taking over, giving the team an identity and continuity.
Southgate's first-choice XI allows most of their players to play in their natural positions. The team is designed to play from the back with Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker. Jordan Henderson takes the no.6 role while Ashley Young and Kieran Trippier act as the wing-backs. Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard are the midfield runners with Raheem Sterling and captain Harry Kane leading the line.
Although not as strong as the other teams on the list, England's second XI has enough quality and experience. They can easily line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Gary Cahill and Phil Jones in central defence, Danny Rose and Trent Alexander-Arnold as full-backs and a front three of Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck and Jamie Vardy.
Thus, England team boasts of a strong depth this time around. The Three Lions essentially have players who can easily fit into Southgate's first-choice eleven when needed, making them a strong unit.
#4 Belgium
Belgium is currently seeing their own Golden Generation trying to win an international trophy. Despite stuttering at Euro 2016, the Red Devils won all 3 games in this World Cup's group stage. The last win over England showcased their bench strength as manager Roberto Martinez dished out the changes.
Belgium's first XI boasts of world-class players such as Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne while the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens are no slouches either. The defence has the dependable Thibaut Courtois in goal with Premier League trio Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany and Toby Alderweireld as the central defenders.
The second XI has a decent defence with Simon Mignolet in goal and the trio of Thomas Vermaelen, Dedryck Boyata and Leander Dendoncker in the heart of the defence. The midfield has the youthfulness of Thorgan Hazard and Youri Tielemens balanced by the experience of Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chadli. Michy Batshuayi leads the attack with support from Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj.
This quality depth gives Belgium a great chance to fix their international hoodoo this time around.
#3 Brazil
The Selecao are looking to correct the 7-1 mauling they received at the hands of Germany in front of their own fans back in 2014. After a slow start, Brazil have started to find their attacking rhythm and are showing the kind of technical skill and tactical experience which has seen them breeze through World Cup qualifying under Tite.
Brazil's first XI boasts of several world-class players such as Neymar, Coutinho, Marcelo, Casemiro and Alisson. Further, the entire team has the famous Brazilian flair as Tite's side play some of the best football at the moment. Gabriel Jesus leads the line while Paulinho plays as the deep-lying striker. Miranda and Thiago Silva form a robust defensive axis to prevent the kind of humiliation the country suffered in 2014.
The second XI is good enough to start games with Roberto Firmino and Douglas Costa being the star attackers. Renato Augusto and Fred provide the guile and gusto from midfield as Fernandinho anchors in the no.6 role. The defence combines quality and experience with Filipe Luis and Danilo in the full-back positions while Ederson provides a safe pair of hands in goal.
Tite has stuck with almost the same squad throughout qualifying. This continuity implies any player who comes into the first XI will not take too much time to adapt, giving Brazil a great chance to win the World Cup for a record sixth time.
#2 Spain
The shock exit in the group stages back in 2014 signalled the end of an era for Spain. The current era has seen quite a few new faces come into the side. Julen Lopetegui masterminded a revival for the 2010 World Cup winners before losing his job just before the tournament began. Fernando Hierro took over the role for now and has ensured continuity in players and style of play.
Spain is arguably the classiest side among the 16 teams with every player oozing technical skill and quality. The Iberian nation boasts of several world-class players starting from goalkeeper David De Gea to centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique. The talent continues up ahead with Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Isco and David Silva taking over the midfield. Diego Costa is the tough and persistent striker needed to round off the team and he has led the line well so far.
While Brazil can stake a claim for the second spot on the list, given their quality, Spain wins over with their continuity and every player fitting their style of play. Most of the Spanish players have spent ample time together, be it for clubs or country at various youth levels, giving them a level of understanding above the rest.
Pepe Reina is an experienced custodian in goal while Nacho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Nacho Monreal are the main defensive stalwarts. The likes of Thiago and Asensio can walk into any team while Iago Aspas and Rodrigo provide the strike force.
Thus, Spain's centre-back cover is not as great as other areas but the closeness in the squad can prove to be their strength as they try to make the most of a favourable draw in the knockout stages.
#1 France
If there is one team other than Germany which has been tipped to win every tournament in recent years, given the unending talent at their disposal in recent years, it is France. Didier Deschamps' side faltered at the final hurdle in Euro 2016 and are now looking to correct it at this year's World Cup.
France's first XI for this World Cup has some amazing talents in their ranks. Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele are a supreme combination of pace, quality and experience. Paul Pogba pulls the strings behind them with the unbelievable N'Golo Kante sweeping away any opposition attack. Hugo Lloris captains the side from the goalposts while Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane are as good a defensive duo as there can be.
The likes of Brazil, Spain and Belgium have a few problem positions in their second XIs. However, when it comes to France, their second XI is good enough to compete on its own in the World Cup.
Veteran Steve Mandanda plays in goal with the highly-talented Presnel Kimpembe and the experienced Adil Rami in the heart of the defence. Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Mendy are excellent full-back options.
Blaise Matuidi and Steven N'Zonzi form a solid midfield pivot. In attack, Olivier Giroud has always done well for France while Thomas Lemar provides the creative spark. Nabil Fekir and Florian Thauvin are coming off spectacular individual seasons, making them solid assets.
Thus, France are undoubtedly the best-equipped team to deal with any situation in the World Cup as their bench strength is collectively better than each of the remaining 15 teams. While Les Bleus are in the tougher half of the draw, they still have a great chance to win the tournament.
