With England and Belgium in Group G it means some of the biggest football stars on the planet will be showing off their considerable talents. Here are five players you should keep your eye out for starting June 19.
Raheem Sterling
The much-maligned Raheem Sterling heads to Russia with the obligatory off field drama that comes with each English team at almost every World Cup.
The Manchester City forward was criticized by sections of the press for a tattoo of a gun on his leg and there were calls for him to be dropped. But English coach Gareth Southgate has stuck by his man, who after scoring 18 goals and producing 11 assists for City this season is probably a wise choice.
Sterling will be England’s number 10 at Russia and if the 23-year-old shoots and scores goals for Old Blighty everything will be forgiven.
Dele Alli
Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling have the weight of a nation on their shoulders in terms of goals, but how Dele Alli combines with the duo will be key to England’s chances at the World Cup.
The Spurs central midfielder will probably play in a deeper role for England at Russia compared to where he plays for Tottenham which last term yielded 10 assists and nine goals.
After making his debut for England three years ago, the tall and elegant midfielder has 24 caps for his country. If he can produce just some of the magic Tottenham fans have witnessed in the past three seasons, England fans could be excused for dreaming of World Cup glory.
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