England come under the spotlight every time a major international tournament rolls around, and the 2018 World Cup in Russia is no different this coming summer.
Gareth Southgate is the latest manager to have the opportunity, or burden depending on which way you look at it, of leading the Three Lions into Russian territory for another crack at silverware success.
There are plenty of promising talents within the England set-up, many of which have enjoyed highly successful personal and team campaigns in the Premier League throughout the past 2017/18 season.
This includes Tottenham Hotspur sharpshooter Harry Kane, who has been in flying form in front of goal once again, having risen to prominence in recent seasons, becoming one of the most clinical finishers in world football.
With the Spurs striker in their ranks, England will have plenty of hope and expectations, while the likes of rejuvenated Manchester City playmaker Raheem Sterling, who was an integral aspect of that Premier League title-winning squad, and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will also provide plenty of encouragement on Russian soil.
England are regarded at odds-on 8/11 with William Hill to reach the quarter-final stage of the World Cup this summer, with Southgate possessing a squad that looks more than capable of achieving such a feat on paper. Although, they have faltered on plenty of occasions beforehand when they should really have progressed.
England find themselves in a seemingly routine Group G, one in which they should easily be able to negotiate and work their way into the quarter-finals or maybe even beyond. In their group campaign, Southgate will have to set his side up against all of Belgium, Tunisia and Panama.
The Belgians will undoubtedly pose the biggest and most dangerous threat to the Three Lions in their pursuit of group success this summer, but they won't have to worry about facing the international Red Devils until the final fixture.
First up for England will be an opening clash against Asian outfit Tunisia on June 18th, before facing minnows Panama six days later. Therefore, Belgium will be their final encounter on June 28th, and will be hopeful of already having secured a spot in the next round, the last 16.
Of course, things haven't gone according to plan in the past, but six points should be highly attainable for the Three Lions against Tunisia and Panama before facing a star-studded Belgium roster. Both these nations are the favourites to move in the knockout phase but it could even come down a crucial meeting between the pair, if there are any slip-ups in their following two match-ups.
If they can manage to get through the group then a potential meeting with South American nation Colombia could await them. Then beyond that, they could face potential matches against Argentina, Spain or Germany. So a strong start will be required in order to gain some form and momentum in what is likely to be a challenging campaign in Russia.
