Of course, free transfers a lot of the time are only ”free” on the surface, with some of the top talent requiring millions in signing-on and agent fees. Nonetheless, such transfers can be low-risk moves by clubs that perhaps don’t have the biggest of budgets. Every summer there are plenty of such bargains snapped up by top clubs and here at Prost International we attempt to build the strongest starting XI out of the potential summer free agents. 

GOALKEEPER – Altay Bayindir (Fenerbahce)

Source: Transfermarkt

There aren’t many top goalkeepers available on free transfers this summer, with perhaps the only other candidate for the place in our XI being Manchester United’s David de Gea. However, most of the signs lead toward the Spaniard signing a new contract at United, thus 24-year-old Türkiye international Bayindir is the most obvious choice. The Fenerbahce shot-stopper has been in impressive form this season, as his club are chasing their record 29th league title this season, with eight clean sheets (joint highest) in the Super Lig at the time of writing.

Bayindir has been previously linked with a move to Barcelona and Newcastle United, but, as his contract is set to expire this summer, Inter Milan are showing the most interest this season. The Serie A outfit are expected to let veteran goalkeeper Samir Handanovic leave this summer, with Bayindir seen as the perfect man to provide competition for Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.

RIGHT-BACK – Nelson Semedo (Wolves)

Source: Wolves

Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo was a rather surprising £28m Wolves transfer in the summer of 2020 when the Barcelona man swapped the Nou Camp for Molineux. After an impressive start to his Wolves career, Semedo’s form dipped, with injuries not helping his development in the Premier League. While the 29-year-old has since recovered and seems to be back to his best, new manager Julen Lopetegui is rumoured to be on the search for a new right-back.

This would leave Semedo free to find a new club in the summer, with Manchester United previously considered a possible destination, with boss Erik ten Hag desperate to provide serious competition for Diogo Dalot. However, with £50m man Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressing in the last few weeks, it seems that the Dutch manager will hold off on bringing in a new right-back for the time being. 

CENTRE-BACK – Milan Skriniar (Inter Milan)

Source: SempreInter

Without a doubt, one of the biggest bargains of the summer transfer window will be the free transfer of Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar. Skriniar has quickly become one of the standout defenders in Italy ever since his 2017 move from Sampdoria. The Slovakia captain is reportedly refusing to sign a new contract at the Milan outfit, with his current deal expiring this summer.

The 27-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur all showing interest at some point. More recently, however, Skriniar was the subject of transfer negotiations between PSG and Inter, with the French club offering up to €55m in the summer of 2022. Inter Milan will certainly be kicking themselves for not accepting the Parisians’ offer, as L’Equipe are reporting the centre-back will join the French giants this summer on a free transfer.

CENTRE-BACK – Evan Ndicka (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Source: L’Equipe

Eintracht Frankfurt bagged a bargain in the summer of 2018 when they paid Auxerre just over €5m for the French defender. In 2023 though, it seems that some other club will be bagging an even bigger bargain, with the 23-year-old’s contract expiring this summer. Ndicka has been the subject of transfer rumours in the past, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Barcelona all mentioned.

All those clubs are expected to return for the centre-back this summer, with Arsenal looking like the favourites. According to German journalist Christian Falk, Arsenal have a ”very good chance” of signing the centre-back, with Spurs, Manchester United, and Barcelona hoping to hijack the deal. While many top clubs are expected to join that list, the biggest hijacking will likely come from his current club Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Bundesliga club reportedly offering the Frenchman a new three-year deal.

LEFT-BACK – Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

Soure: FearTheWall

French-born Raphael Guerreiro has been on the books of Borussia Dortmund for over six years now, but it seems like all good things must come to an end, with the Portugal international expected to depart the club on a free this summer. French newspapers are suggesting that OGC Nice are showing strong interest in the 29-year-old, who played his early career in France prior to his switch to Dortmund in 2016.

Guerreiro has reportedly been on the Ligue 1 club’s radar for the last few months, while Premier League champions Manchester City are also monitoring the left-back’s situation. Pep Guardiola has been desperately looking for more depth in the left-back position since Oleksandr Zinchenko’s move to Arsenal, with summer signing Sergio Gomez failing to impress the former Barcelona boss. While City have seemingly set their sights on Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, Borussia Dortmund’s Guerreiro can be seen as a cheaper alternative.

CENTRE-MID – Jorginho (Chelsea)

Source: Chelsea FC

Italy midfielder Jorginho is one of Chelsea’s most expensive signings, yet it seems like the 31-year-old will be allowed to leave for nothing in the summer. The Brazil-born central midfielder joined the Blues in the summer of 2018 for a fee of around £50m, but if rumours are to be believed, he will not be offered a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Jorginho has been influential for Chelsea since his big-money move from Napoli, even serving as captain on a number of occasions. However, with Chelsea spending big since new owner Todd Boehly took over, it seems that the Italian international will be deemed surplus to requirements. Jorginho has been linked with moves to Barcelona, Juventus, and AC Milan as recently as the end of last year, however, it seems that former club Napoli are leading the race for his signature, with Jorginho set to return to his adoptive country in the summer.

CENTRE-MID – Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)

Source: Foxes of Leicester

Youri Tielemans was seen as one of the best young prospects in Europe back during his Anderlecht days, which earned him a big-money move to AS Monaco in 2017. The Belgian initially struggled at the Ligue 1 outfit, which prompted a loan move to Leicester City in the Premier League. The move was made permanent the following season for £32m, and since then Tielemans has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the league.

The 25-year-old is a crucial part of Leicester City, but with the club struggling in recent months and with Tielemans’ contract expiring in the summer, it seems likely that the Belgian international will leave the Foxes on a free at the end of the season. Manchester United and Juventus have been linked in the past, but it seems like Newcastle United and Arsenal will directly go head-to-head for the midfielder’s signature this summer. Arsenal have been rumoured to be considering a bid this month, but Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the midfielder will be staying at the club beyond January.

CENTRE-MID – Houssem Aouar (Lyon)

Source: Football Today

Houssem Aouar was once one of the most promising midfielders in Europe, particularly in 2020 when he was instrumental in his club reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League, which also led to his first call-up to the France national team. This form led to Arsenal taking notice, and the London club even had two offers of around £33m plus Matteo Guendouzi rejected by Lyon, with the French outfit seeking closer to £55m. Following some injury woes and a drop in form, it now seems that the 24-year-old will leave his boyhood club on a free transfer this summer.

The man that was once monitored by clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, was most recently linked with moves to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, showing a huge fall from grace for the Lyon native. With Aouar’s contract now expiring, it seems that clubs might be willing to take the risk that Arsenal refused to take back in 2020, with the likes of AS Roma and Real Betis thought to be interested in the midfielder.

LEFT-WINGER – Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Source: Football.London

Wilfried Zaha was once a promising youngster, who in 2013 earned himself a big move to Manchester United. However, that big move soon turned into a big disappointment, with a loan to newly promoted Cardiff City soon following. He could not establish himself in the Manchester United team on his return, which led to a return to his beloved Crystal Palace on loan, a move which turned permanent later that season for a fraction of what United originally paid Palace for him. The return to Palace was exactly what Zaha needed and he soon recaptured his form to eventually become one of the most exciting attacking players in the Premier League.

With Crystal Palace regularly battling against relegation or simply settling for lower mid-table finishes, Zaha was regularly linked with bigger moves elsewhere, with the likes of Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund, and PSG amongst those named. Of course, none of these materialised, but now with Zaha’s contract at Palace expiring in the summer, it seems like the 30-year-old will finally leave his boyhood club for yet another big move. Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, Juventus, and Barcelona are the clubs interested this time, and Zaha will be hoping his second attempt at a big move will be more successful than the first.

RIGHT-WINGER – Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

Source: Eurosport

Marco Asensio joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2015 for just under €4m as a promising youngster for the future. It took the Mallorca native some time to earn his place at Los Blancos, with a loan move to Espanyol as part of the process. Upon his return, he was slowly introduced into the fold at Real Madrid, but he only really became part of the equation in the last couple of seasons, directly related to the downfall of Welsh superstar Gareth Bale.

Asensio never truly nailed down a regular starting position at Real Madrid, and with the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Valverde usually preferred to the Spaniard, it seems that Asensio will look to depart the Santiago Bernabeu when his contract expires in the summer. Asensio has previously been linked with moves to the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United frequently mentioned, but if the latest reports are to be believed, bitter Los Blancos rivals Barcelona are in talks to sign the 27-year-old winger.

CENTRE-FORWARD – Marcus Thuram (Borussia M’Gladbach)

Source: 90min

Marcus Thuram has a lot to live up to, with father Lilian a decorated former France international defender. His son Marcus has instead found success at the other end of the pitch, with the 25-year-old forward attracting serious interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Thuram began his professional career in his native France, before earning a €9m move to the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach in 2019.

While Thuram was never truly an out-and-out striker at Gladbach, he had an impressive return each season, registering at least 20 goal contributions in all competitions up until the 2021/22 season, when injuries hit, leading Thuram to miss almost half of the league games that season. Nonetheless, it seems that the Frenchman is back to his best this season, racking up a career joint-highest 10 goals by January of this year. Thuram has previously been linked with Newcastle United and Bayern Munich, but now with his contract expiring in the summer, Chelsea and Manchester United have also joined the race.

Sofyan Amrabat

Not many people would have recognised Sofyan Amrabat before the tournament, in fact, it was likely that more people would have remembered Sofyan’s older brother Nordin, who turned out for Watford in the Premier League in the 2015/16 season. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old ended the tournament in most people’s teams of the tournament, as well as collecting accolades such as ‘the new Kanté’, having won possession 57 times – the most by any African player since the 1966 World Cup. Alongside his Moroccan teammate Azzedine Ounahi, Amrabat excelled in Qatar and significantly contributed to Morocco becoming the first-ever African side to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.

Even before the tournament, there were some rumours linking Amrabat with a move away from Fiorentina, but the 2022 World Cup only added fuel to the fire, with some of the biggest clubs in the world now battling for the midfielder’s signature. If the latest rumours are to be believed, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur seem to be in a direct battle for the Moroccan, but Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla are also linked. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina are only willing to let Amrabat go for at least €40m – with Liverpool only recently spending close to that for Cody Gakpo, does this give Tottenham an advantage in the race for the Atlas Lion?

Jude Bellingham

England midfielder Jude Bellingham was by no means an unknown entity before this winter’s World Cup, after already becoming one of the best young players in the world following his €25m move from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2020. However, this was perhaps the 19-year-old’s statement tournament, becoming a crucial member of the Three Lions’ midfield in Qatar. The Birmingham native had not scored for his national side ahead of the tournament, but in England’s opener against Iran, it was Bellingham who notched the first goal of the tournament for the Three Lions, also adding an assist for Jordan Henderson in the round of 16 tie against Senegal. At 19, Bellingham became one of the most important pieces of the England team, having finished first in shot-creating chances, tackles won, blocks, and dribbles completed out of the entire squad.

The Borussia Dortmund man’s stock has only risen after the 2022 World Cup, with the usual suspects, such as Real Madrid and PSG, linked with a move for the England star, but it seems more likely that the 19-year-old midfielder will head back to England, with Liverpool and Manchester City set to go head-to-head for his signature. Manchester City have already snapped up his good pal Haaland last summer, with City perhaps the more logical option for Bellingham, however, according to reports in England, Jude’s father is trying to convince his son to choose Liverpool instead. Only time will tell whether Bellingham will listen to his father or become his own man in 2023. gon

Enzo Fernández

Joško Gvardiol

Alexis Mac Allister

Dominik Livaković

Azzedine Ounahi

Source: Sporting News

FIFA ranking: 7

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying group B winners

2018 World Cup performance: Round of 16

Previous World Cup appearances: 15

Best result: Winners (2010)

Background

Source: Getty Images

Spain are back at another World Cup and they will be hoping to forget their last two miserable performances. Many have begun to rule out Spain as one of the world’s dominant sides, but a strong showing at Euro 2020 and an unlucky penalty shoot-out defeat against eventual winners Italy has changed the minds of many football fans. While this Spain team can’t compare to the squads between 2008 and 2012, it still possesses enough quality to surprise opponents. La Roja managed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup with relative ease, finishing top of their qualifying group ahead of Sweden, although they dropped points against the Swedes as well as Greece along the way. Spain were one of the lowest-scoring sides to qualify for this winter’s World Cup, having only scored 15 goals in eight games while leading up to the World Cup they only scored eight times in six games – and only one goal in four of those games – scoring goals is a real problem for this Spain side.

The Coach – Luis Enrique

Source: Stadium Astro

Luis Enrique will be taking charge of Spain at his first World Cup as manager, after impressing with his side at last year’s European Championships, where Spain missed out on the final via a penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy. The Spaniard had a successful playing career as a midfielder and is one of the few players to have crossed the Real Madrid-Barcelona divide after he joined Barcelona from bitter rivals Real Madrid in 1996.

That Barcelona education has led to the manager he is today, with Enrique preferring a high-pressing, possession-heavy type of football, with quick transitions from defence to attack. Many have criticised the 52-year-old for some of his Spain selections, most notably for Euro 2020, where Enrique selected a 24-man squad despite being allowed to name 26 players, with no Real Madrid players selected. That being said, Enrique is a manager who only chooses players that are right for his desired style of play, no matter their status at club level, and some of his early performances have justified his selections thus far.

Key Player – Alvaro Morata

Source: GetFootballNewsSpain

While the current Spain team does not possess clear-cut key players like the past teams of Casillas, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, and David Villa, there are still a handful of players that are crucial for Enrique’s style of play – one of these is striker Alvaro Morata. Alvaro Morata has perhaps not lived up to his early promise, first breaking through at his local club Real Madrid in 2010, after which spells at Juventus, Chelsea, and now Atletico Madrid followed. The Spaniard was not able to establish himself at any of these clubs, but he still remains key to Luis Enrique, with the Spanish coach stating at Euro 2020: ‘’My team is Morata and ten others.’’ While Morata has not been overly prolific for Spain up to this point, scoring only two goals in World Cup qualifying, he is integral to the Enrique way of playing, with even the striker pressing high up the pitch.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Barcelona Blonde

Today’s Spain team is definitely inferior to the squads of 2008-12 when looking at the names, but there is now a new generation of talent emerging, with players such as Eric Garcia, Gavi, Pedri, Nico Williams, and Yeremy Pino slowly creeping into the fold under Luis Enrique. While these players are still young (20 or under), they have already shown glimpses of brilliance that suggest Spain could be on the rise in 2022 and beyond. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are now the last two members of the old guard, and they will be crucial in passing on their experiences to this new generation.

Spain still possess great talent in midfield, with players like Rodri, Koke, and Pedri able to unlock defences, however, the rest of the team brings up some question marks. Spain lack a clinical finisher in the style of David Villa, while there is also uncertainty over the centre-back combination, and goalkeeper selection – although Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper Unai Simon has seemed to convince Enrique. While not many fans expect much from Spain at the 2022 World Cup, the same was said before Euro 2020 where Spain only narrowly missed out on the final. One thing is for certain – never underestimate Spain.

Source: India TV News

FIFA ranking: 9

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying path C play-off winners

2018 World Cup performance: Round of 16

Previous World Cup appearances: 7

Best result: Third place (1966)

Background

Source: AA

Portugal are back at their record sixth consecutive World Cup tournament and they will be hoping to beat their third-place finish from 1966. It wasn’t the easiest of qualifications campaigns, having finished second in their qualifying group behind Serbia despite only losing one game – controversially against the Serbs. This meant that A Seleção had to take part in the path C play-offs where they were pitted against Turkey, who they defeated 3-1 to set up an encounter with North Macedonia, who surprisingly dispatched Italy in their play-off match. Indeed, Portugal arguably might not even have qualified for the 2022 World Cup if Italy progressed instead of North Macedonia, a scenario that we will never know the result of. Portugal have not progressed beyond the round of 16 in their last three World Cup tournaments, but a strong squad and an experienced manager could be the right combination they need to finally reach the final of a World Cup.

The Coach – Fernando Santos

Source: Sportz Point

Fernando Santos will be one of the most experienced coaches at this winter’s World Cup, having a career in management spanning over 30 years. After a modest start to his managerial career at Estoril, Santos managed the ‘big three’ in Portugal (Porto, Benfica, and Sporting CP), as well as AEK Athens, Panathinaikos, and PAOK in Greece, before undertaking his first national team duties as the coach of Greece in 2010. Santos impressed as the boss of the Greek national team, leading them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, as well as the knockout stage of the 2014 World Cup – Greece’s first and only knockout stage at a World Cup.

Following that tournament, the Portuguese FA appointed Santos as their new coach after Paulo bento was fired due to poor results. Since that appointment, Santos led Portugal to a surprising Euro 2016 win, as well as the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2018-19. While Santos was able to deliver Portugal’s first and only major international trophy, cracks have begun to show, with many fans unconvinced that the 68-year-old is the man to lead Portugal to glory in Qatar.

Key Player – Cristiano Ronaldo

Source: Inside Sport

The greatest international goalscorer is back at his fifth World Cup and the 37-year-old will be Portugal’s greatest hope if they are to lift their first-ever World Cup trophy. While the Manchester United forward might not be as influential as in the past, he still finished as Portugal’s top scorer in qualifying with six goals, and he is still capable of creating moments of magic. Some fans feel like Ronaldo creates more problems than he solves, but 117 goals in 191 Portugal appearances say otherwise. This Portugal team is full of quality players, but Cristiano Ronaldo is still the first name on the team sheet, even at 37. The Portuguese talisman has won everything that there is to win, with 32 trophies including seven league titles in three different countries, five Champions League trophies, as well as the European Championship, but one trophy has eluded him thus far – the World Cup. At 37, this will be Ronaldo’s last World Cup and he will be determined to go out on a high.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Crowdfunder

Portugal only narrowly made it to the 2022 World Cup but looking at the names in their squad it is hard to argue against them being one of the favourites for the World Cup crown. Portugal have a favourable group including Uruguay, Ghana, and South Korea, but while each of these teams are weaker on paper, they can cause surprises. If Portugal manage to win their group, it is likely a repeat encounter with Serbia will follow in the round of 16, with Portugal failing to beat the Serbs in qualification.

The Portugal team is packed full of talented options in every department, perhaps only the centre-back position lacking, with Pepe the only quality partner for Manchester City’s Ruben Dias. While their defence can be shaky with no natural alternative for 39-year-old Pepe, many battles are won in midfield and Portugal possess one of the best midfields in the world, with players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Neves. Add that to a man named Cristiano Ronaldo upfront and teams at this winter’s World Cup should be scared of this Portugal team.

Source: ANP/Imago Images

FIFA ranking: 8

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying group G winners

2018 World Cup performance: Did not qualify

Previous World Cup appearances: 10

Best result: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)

Background

Source: Pascal Rossignol/Reuters

The Netherlands are back at a World Cup after missing out on the tournament in 2018 and they will be hoping to make up for lost time after a disappointing absence from Russia following a silver medal in 2010 and bronze in 2014. The Oranje qualified for Qatar with relative ease, winning their qualifying group after a shaky start when they lost 4-2 against Turkey in the opening round. Today’s Netherlands squad might not feature world beaters of the past Dutch squads such as Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Kluivert or Johan Cruyff, but in Virgil van Dijk they have arguably the best centre-back in the world, paired with a highly experienced coach in Louis van Gaal. The Netherlands were tipped to be the big comeback kings of Euro 2020 but they exited the tournament in the round of 16 after a surprise loss to the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands fans will be hoping there won’t be a repeat of that during their return to the big stage this winter.

The Coach – Louis van Gaal

Source: Getty Images

Louis van Gaal is back leading the Netherlands in his third spell as boss, after guiding the Dutch in 2000-01 and 2012-14. The now 71-year-old boss will be one of the most decorated coaches at the 2022 World Cup, having collected seven league titles, four domestic cups, one Champions League trophy, and two UEFA Super Cups during a managerial career with Ajax, Barcelona, AZ, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United. Van Gaal first took over as coach of the national team in 2000 but following a disastrous qualifying campaign for the 2002 World Cup, which ended in the Netherlands missing out on the tournament for the first time since 1986, the Dutchman resigned in January 2002.

A second spell at the helm of the Oranjes proved to be much more successful, with the Dutch qualifying for the 2014 World Cup and going all the way to the semi-finals where they fell short against Argentina, but they ultimately managed to beat Brazil on home soil to clinch bronze. Following a less-than-successful spell at Manchester United, it looked like van Gaal will retire from management, announcing this in January 2017, but he quickly reiterated that this was only a ‘sabbatical’. However, this sabbatical turned into full retirement in 2019, following which the now 71-year-old was convinced by the Dutch FA to return for his third and final spell and lead the Netherlands to glory in Qatar.

Key Player – Virgil van Dijk

Source: Getty Images

Today’s Netherlands squad does not boast the attacking talent of previous tournaments, with Barcelona forward Memphis Depay perhaps the only player capable of scoring regularly. This means that the Dutch will rely on their defensive quality, with captain Virgil van Dijk crucial to this. The Liverpool centre-back missed out on Euro 2020 due to injury, meaning he will be making his major international tournament debut at the age of 31.

The Dutchman is equally crucial for his country as he is for his club, perhaps even more so, with the lack of world-class replacements in the Dutch squad. Van Gaal prefers to play with a three at the back, meaning that van Dijk is the general in defence, who can also play precise diagonal balls forward, a quality that makes him perfect for such a system. With young defenders such as Matthijs de Ligt, Jurrien Timber and Sven Botman waiting in the wings of the Dutch squad, van Dijk also plays a key role as a leader and teacher, with the 2022 World Cup perhaps the last World Cup where he can lead his nation to a meaningful finish.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Fansided

The Netherlands are not considered one of the immediate favourites to lift the World Cup trophy this winter, but again they were not the favourites in 2010 or 2014 when they finished second and third respectively, and they will be going into the Qatar World Cup as one of the most in-form teams, last tasting defeat in June of last year in the round of 16 of Euro 2020. The Dutch can always surprise opponents and with an experienced coach such as Louis van Gaal back to lead them, they will certainly be the dark horses in Qatar.

While the Netherlands team is stacked in the centre-back position, with experienced heads van Dijk and de Vrij complemented with up-and-coming stars Matthijs de Ligt and Jurrien Timber, and potential future world beaters Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, they truly lack a reliable goalkeeper and a finisher beyond Depay. Long gone are the days of van der Sar and Robin van Persie, and with the added tournament-ending injury to midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, the Dutch will have to come up with a miracle to lift their first-ever World Cup this winter.

Source: Getty Images

FIFA ranking: 11

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying group J winners

2018 World Cup performance: Group stage

Previous World Cup appearances: 19

Best result: Winners (1954, 1974, 2014)

Background

Source: CNN Sports

Germany are back at their 18^th consecutive World Cup and Die Mannschaft will be hoping to forget their miserable showing at the last World Cup in 2018, where as defending champions they were eliminated in the group stage. Germany qualified as qualifying group J winners, but they didn’t do so perfectly, succumbing to a 2-1 loss at home to North Macedonia in the process. Historically, Germany are always there or thereabouts in international tournaments but this German side perhaps lack the overall quality to really be considered one of the favourites. They go into this tournament on the back of only one win in the last seven games (at the time of writing), having failed to score more than one goal in five of those games – and with Hansi Flick’s favourite Timo Werner injured, it is difficult to see where the goals will come from in Qatar.

The Coach – Hansi Flick

Source: Getty Images

Hansi Flick had a remarkable rise as manager over the last few years, having mainly served as an assistant at RB Salzburg, Germany national team, and Bayern Munich, before taking over as caretaker at the latter in 2019. After then manager Niko Kovac left Bayern by mutual consent in November of 2019, Flick was given the job on an interim basis, but following a satisfying spell as interim coach, the board decided to hand the German the job full-time until the end of the 2019-20 season.

Hansi Flick was then able to convince the Bayern board of his qualities and he was handed a new contract until 2023, however, near the end of the 2020-21 season, Flick announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season in order to pursue the job of the coach of the German national team, a job which was set to be vacant after the departure of long-serving coach Joachim Low after Euro 2020, under whom Hansi Flick served as an assistant between 2006 and 2014. Flick took over the team in the fourth round of qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and since then has only tasted defeat on one occasion, against Hungary in the UEFA Nations League.

Key Player – Thomas Muller

Source: The Real Champs

As per usual, the German national team does not have a clear star or stand-out talent, instead, it is based on teamwork and determination – two qualities that 33-year-old forward Thomas Muller epitomises. Muller is currently the most experienced squad member of the German national team, having racked up 118 caps for Die Mannschaft after making his debut in 2010. While at the start of his German career Muller was seen as more of a striker, today he is the man responsible for linking the midfield and attack. That being said, Muller currently sits seventh in the all-time goalscorer chart for the national team, only six goals away from potentially ending his German career in third place, behind namesake Gerd Muller and legend Miroslav Klose. With one of the few out-and-out strikers in Timo Werner out of the World Cup, Muller will have to be the leader in attack and help Die Mannschaft forget their 2018 misery.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Katie Chan

Germany are going into this winter’s World Cup as the 11th-ranked team in the world, one of their lowest rankings in the last 15 years. Nonetheless, rankings mean nothing on the world stage and excluding their 2018 showing, Germany have time and again proved that they are world heavyweights, having finished no lower than third in their last four World Cup tournaments (apart from 2018). Of course, this German side perhaps does not possess as much world-class talent as in the past, with mainstays Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller now on the wrong side of 30.

The current German team doesn’t concede many goals but also doesn’t score enough, given their lack of a prolific number 9. They did manage to score 36 goals in qualifying, however, their top scorers were midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, winger Serge Gnabry, and now-injured striker Timo Werner with a lowly number of five goals. With Hansi Flick favourite Timo Werner now set to miss the World Cup with an ankle injury, it is difficult to see who will be able to step up and fire Germany to World Cup glory in Qatar.

Source: Sporting News

FIFA ranking: 4

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying group D winners

2018 World Cup performance: Winners

Previous World Cup appearances: 15

Best result: Winners (1998, 2018)

Background

Source: Africa Top Sports

France are back at their seventh consecutive World Cup and will be hoping to become only the second European side (and only third overall after Brazil and Italy) to defend their crown after becoming world champions in 2018. Les Bleus reached Qatar in rather comfortable fashion after finishing their qualifying group top and unbeaten, however, their last few results ahead of the 2022 World Cup have not been the most convincing – winning only one of their UEFA Nations League games in 2022, with unconvincing defeats against World Cup group opponents Denmark, as well as Croatia.

That being said, France go into this winter’s tournament as one of the favourites, having not only won the last World Cup in Russia and the 2021 edition of the UEFA Nations League but also arguably having the biggest squad depth from any of the 32 teams at the 2022 World Cup, a quality that should come in handy during a World Cup that is like no other, particularly with the lack of preparation and the mid-season injuries that are likely to come.

The Coach – Didier Deschamps

Source: Getty Images

Didier Deschamps will be the longest-serving head coach at this winter’s World Cup and he is in fact the longest-serving coach in the history of the French national team, having taken over the reins in 2012. Back in his playing days, Deschamps was a top defensive midfielder and leader, having collected five league titles, two Champions League trophies, as well as a World Cup and European Championship in a career playing for Marseille, Juventus, Valencia, Chelsea, and the French national team.

While his managerial CV is not as accomplished, ‘merely’ picking up the Coupe de la Ligue with AS Monaco early in his career, as well as the Serie B at Juventus and Ligue 1 at Marseille, his biggest achievement came in 2018 when the Frenchman guided Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup crown in Russia, becoming only the third man to win a World Cup as a player and coach. Deschamps was initially given a two-year contract in July 2012, following Laurent Blanc’s resignation, but some promising performances led to a 10-year career with the national team, a career which almost certainly will end after the 2022 World Cup no matter the result, with the 54-year-old’s contract expiring after the tournament in Qatar, and with former Les Bleus skipper Zinedine Zidane waiting in the wings.

Key Player – Kylian Mbappe

Source: Les Titis du PSG

At 23, PSG forward Kylian Mbappe is arguably France’s most important player, having already racked up 59 caps and lifted a World Cup trophy. The number 10 is crucial to the way France attack, with France lacking another play of his type and calibre in the team, with 49-goal Olivier Giroud more of a target-man, while Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann has been inconsistent of late and is usually deployed further back in the national team. During the 2018 World Cup, Mbappe was a 19-year-old prodigy, but the 2022 World Cup can be his chance to announce himself to the entire world as the heir to the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ‘best player in the world’ title.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

Only two previous teams have retained their World Cup crown, and the latest was Brazil in 1962, which does not provide favourable news for France in 2022. While defensively and offensively this France team is perhaps better than the one in 2018 – containing natural full-backs, young up-and-coming centre-backs in Jules Kounde and William Saliba, as well as the returning Karim Benzema to spice up the attack – however, with the injuries to midfielders Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, who were so influential for France ever since the 2018 World Cup, leave the midfield of France short on world-class talent. While France will possess perhaps the deepest squad at this World Cup in terms of quality, Deschamps will have to find solutions for the absence of two of the best midfielders in the world for France to have any chance of defending their title in Qatar.

Source: TalkSport

FIFA ranking: 5

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying group I winners

2018 World Cup performance: Semi-finals

Previous World Cup appearances: 15

Best result: Winners (1966)

Background

Source: FourFourTwo

England have reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup and the final of last summer’s European Championships, so on paper, they should be able to take the next step in Qatar and lift the World Cup trophy for only their second time. Of course, football is not played on paper and the Three Lions will be going into this winter’s tournament in terrible form – winless in the last six matches. Once again, England qualified for the World Cup with ease, going unbeaten and conceding only three goals in a group featuring Poland, Albania, Hungary, Andorra, and San Marino.

Many fans were encouraged by this England team’s performances at the last two tournaments, predominantly finally beating old rivals Germany at Euro 2020 before narrowly missing out on the trophy on penalties against Italy in the final. However, some of the criticism from a small number of England fans against the tactics of coach Gareth Southgate started getting some traction following some more than disappointing results in the UEFA Nations League, especially the 4-0 trashing at home by Hungary. Add to this potential tournament-ending injuries to some key players and the Three Lions might not be roaring in Qatar.

The Coach – Gareth Southgate

Source: Getty Images

Gareth Southgate had a solid international career as a player for England, which included some highs and lows (missed penalty in Euro 1996 semi-final vs Germany), but his time managing the England national team so far brought more highs than lows, especially considering the expectations many fans had. Southgate began his managerial career at his beloved Middlesbrough, where he spent three seasons before being dismissed following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. The Englishman then took four years out of management before accepting the role of coach for the England U-21 team.

In 2016, following the Sam Allardyce scandal, Southgate was placed in temporary charge of the senior team, but he impressed the FA enough to be given the job on a full-time basis later that year. Under Southgate’s leadership, England qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they surprised many by going all the way to the semi-finals, before succumbing to Croatia. After that, England reached the final of Euro 2020, where they were only defeated by Italy on penalties. Throughout the 52-year-old’s tenure as England manager, there has largely been positivity surrounding the England team, but a poor World Cup in Qatar following some disastrous results in the UEFA Nations League can spell trouble for Southgate.

Key Player – Harry Kane

Source: Michael Regan

Not many players in the England team are guaranteed to be one of the first names on the team sheet, but Tottenham striker Harry Kane is one of them. The England captain is highly influential for the Three Lions, having finished as the joint top scorer in UEFA qualifying with 12 goals, as well as currently sitting only two goals away from Wayne Rooney’s all-time goal-scoring record for England. Kane’s goal-scoring is not the only thing crucial for England, but his undeniable leadership is an invaluable trait, especially in major international tournaments. When looking at the other attacking options available for Gareth Southgate, it can be argued that Harry Kane is the most irreplaceable squad member, and any major injury would be catastrophic for England’s chances at this winter’s World Cup.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: In Your Area

England are going into the 2022 World Cup as perhaps the most in-form team based on previous tournaments, having finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup and as runners-up at Euro 2020, however, they are also one of the least in-form teams based on the most recent results (winless in the last six). That being said, the Three Lions have been drawn in a relatively easy-looking group featuring the USA, Wales, and Iran – but this of course was said in 2010 when England featured in a similar-looking group including the USA, Algeria, and Slovenia, with England only narrowly advancing to the knockout stages of that tournament. England have all the necessary tools to go on better in 2022 and lift the World Cup trophy, but some questionable Southgate tactics and possibly tournament-ending injuries to trusted lieutenants Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker might leave England just short of a serious challenge in Qatar.

Source: Getty Images

FIFA ranking: 1

How they qualified: CONMEBOL qualifying winners

2018 World Cup performance: Quarter-finals

Previous World Cup appearances: 21

Best result: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)

Background

Source: New Indian Express

Brazil are the bookies’ favourites to go all the way at this winter’s World Cup and it is not difficult to see why. Brazil are currently the only nation to have appeared in all 21 previous World Cup tournaments and are heading into the 2022 edition in perhaps the best mood since the 2014 World Cup on home soil. They not only managed to qualify as CONMEBOL qualifying winners in style – unbeaten while scoring 40 goals and conceding five – but their squad is packed full of attacking flair that will cause coach Tite selection headaches. Previous Brazil teams perhaps relied heavily on their attack, and while this Brazil team is well-stocked upfront, they are now also well-balanced defensively, conceding in only four of their 17 qualifying matches. If the Seleção can replicate that sort of form on the world stage, Brazil will likely be lifting their first World Cup trophy in 20 years.

The Coach – Tite

Source: Getty Images

Tite’s managerial career spans over 30 years and 14 different teams. His career has primarily been spent in his native Brazil, with smaller teams such as Caxias and Veranópolis, but the Brazilian eventually climbed the managerial ladder to take charge of Brazilian heavyweight Palmeiras, Internacional, and Corinthians, before taking charge of the national team in 2016.

Tite was appointed coach of the Seleção in the summer of 2016 after his predecessor Dunga struggled to lead the nation out of that year’s Copa America group stage. Since Tite’s appointment, Brazil managed to comfortably qualify for the 2018 World Cup, in which they rather disappointingly bowed out in the quarter-finals against Belgium, and win the 2019 Copa America, as well as reach the final in 2021. This will be the 61-year-old’s sixth year at the helm of the national team and most likely his last, as his contract only runs until the end of the 2022 World Cup, with sources claiming he is finally ready for a challenge in European football.

Key Player – Neymar

Source: Eurosport

Neymar might not be perhaps as crucial to Brazil as in previous years, mostly due to the attacking options available to Brazil, but he is still Brazil’s poster boy. At 30, the man himself admitted this will likely be his last World Cup and today he is a much more mature leader of the team than his showboating skills suggest. In the current system, Neymar is perhaps more of a midfielder than a forward, and due to this, he is much more influential for the team as he is able to link midfield with attack. Neymar is currently sitting only two goals shy of Pelé’s all-time goal-scoring record for Brazil and he will surely want to end his final World Cup not only as Brazil’s all-time top scorer but also as a World Champion.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Sky Sports

Brazil are currently the best team in the world on paper, which is backed by the bookies suggesting Brazil will win the 2022 World Cup. Of course, football is not played on paper, but it is difficult to argue against Brazil being the team best prepared to win the tournament in Qatar. They have a squad packed full of quality, starting from the goalkeeper position where they have not one but two world-class goalkeepers in Alisson and Ederson, a defence that is a perfect combination of experience and youth in Thiago Silva and Militao, a midfield including hardman Casemiro and the more creative Paqueta, and of course an attack featuring Neymar, Vinicius Jr and Richarlison. They have been drawn in a relatively easy group including Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon, and if the Brazil squad can finally come together and stay clear of any major injuries, it is likely Brazil will be lifting their sixth crown in Qatar.

Source: Outlook India

FIFA ranking: 2

How they qualified: UEFA qualifying group E winners

2018 World Cup performance: Third place

Previous World Cup appearances: 13

Best result: Third place (2018)

Background

Source: Daily Sabah

Belgium have made it to their third consecutive World Cup, and this is likely to be the golden generation’s final chance to have a real go at world football’s biggest prize. The Red Devils currently sit second in the FIFA rankings, making them the best European side on paper. Many will argue that this is an unfairly high ranking for a team that has only reached a final of a major tournament once in their entire history (Euro 1980).

Belgium go into this winter’s tournament unbeaten in qualifying, the same feat they achieved during the last World Cup’s qualifying when they went all the way to the last four and ultimately collected bronze in Russia. Belgium scored 25 goals in qualifying, conceding only six, and they will feel like they can go at least one better than in 2018 and finally reach their first-ever World Cup final.

The Coach – Roberto Martinez

Source: Getty Images

Roberto Martinez was a defensive midfielder who spent the majority of his playing career in the lower English divisions, primarily at Wigan Athletic and Swansea City. It was at the latter that his managerial career started and following two largely successful seasons at the club, a spell at Wigan Athletic followed. During his time at Wigan, he managed to guide the club to an unlikely FA Cup victory over Manchester City in 2013, however, Wigan still got relegated.

After this relegation, the Spaniard was appointed as the new manager of Everton, and after some mixed results, Martinez was sacked in 2016. Shortly after, he was appointed as the boss of the Belgium national team. Martinez’s tenure at the Red Devils has largely coincided with the nation’s rise to become one of the top European sides in international football, having led Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and a quarter-final finish at Euro 2020. This winter’s World Cup will likely be Martinez’s last chance to lead Belgium to some silverware, with not only an aging squad but a contract that only runs until the end of the 2022 World Cup.

Key Player – Kevin De Bruyne

Source: Orange Pics BV / Alamy

Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders in world football and he will get the opportunity to prove it on the big stage this winter. De Bruyne is instrumental at both club and international level, being crucial for creating goals for the team and occasionally popping up with a sensational strike himself. That being said, the 31-year-old has a slightly different role at club level than at international, where he is usually deployed in a more attacking position by Roberto Martinez, and when looking at the attacking options already available to Belgium, it is a real compliment for the midfielder, who plays more as a number 10 for Manchester City.

Not only that, but now at the age of 31, De Bruyne is one of the more senior players in the squad – close to reaching 100 caps – and leads by example, which is especially important with the new generation of Belgian footballers coming through. This World Cup will likely be the last one where De Bruyne and co will be able to meaningfully contribute, and the Premier League assist king will likely play a key part if Belgium are to make it far in Qatar.

Predicted Line-up

World Cup Chances

Source: Reuters

Belgium are the best European side on paper and certainly in contention for winning the 2022 World Cup. However, their group situation means that in order to make it as far as the semi-finals like in 2018, they will most likely have to face Spain or Germany in the round of 16, before Brazil being the likeliest of opponents in the last eight. While in qualification, Belgium have been dominant, going unbeaten in the last three tournament qualifying campaigns, they always lacked the cutting edge to dispatch the best of the best.

While in the 2018 World Cup the Red Devils beat Brazil in the quarter-finals and at Euro 2020 they knocked out Portugal, at both tournaments they were finally defeated by the eventual winners (France in 2018 and Italy in 2020). With a defence made up of 35-year-old Jan Vertonghen and 33-year-old Toby Alderweireld, Belgium will be exposed at the back, with limited inexperienced alternatives in these positions. With the likes of the aforementioned Vertonghen and Alderweireld, as well as Dries Mertens, Axel Witsel, Eden Hazard, and Kevin De Bruyne now all being over 30, the 2022 World Cup will be the Belgian golden generation’s final chance at glory.