G is for Germany
The Germans are synonymous with World Cup success and have arrived in Russia among the favourites to defend the crown they won so convincingly in Brazil four years.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and former Blues defender Jerome Boateng are both part of what is a hugely impressive 23-man squad assembled by manager Joachim Low.
Indeed, such are the embarrassment of riches at Low’s disposal, he felt he could afford to omit City’s Young Player of the Year Leroy Sane from his final party!
Alongside their undoubted quality, Germany also boast a huge wealth of experience within their ranks and the squad’s confidence will be further bolstered by the knowledge that they rarely fail to disappoint at the greatest football show on earth.
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Pitted against Mexico, Sweden and South Korea in Group F, Germany will be confident of executing a smooth start to their campaign and they know that history is on their side.
Winners in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 and runners-up in 1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002 illustrates Germany’s powerhouse World Cup pedigree.
Figures such as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, central defender Matts Hummels, midfield maestro Toni Kroos and striker Thomas Muller were all instrumental in Die Mannschaft’s success in Brazil 2014 so the players know what is required to rule the world.
Not surprisingly, Germany are many pundits’ tips to emerge victorious and if they are to be successful in a month’s time, they would become the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil back in 1962.
Depending on results, there is a possibility that England could meet Germany in the quarter-finals should both progress from their respective groups.
Given Germany’s record, that is one match-up Gareth Southgate will be probably keen to avoid!
