England's Route to World Cup Victory

England's roaring success: The young Lion's start the 2018 World Cup with victory!

In reaching Russia 2018, by defeating Slovenia at Wembley in their penultimate Group F match, England sealed their spot at their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup – matching previous records set between 1950 and 1970.

The ‘new' England's maiden voyage in Russia 2018 has thrown up many positives, more excitement and several curiosities besides Harry Kane's heroics. This is the first time coach Gareth Southgate had watched his young Lions play in a game of any scale, something he eagerly made clear he was looking forward to this World Cup. A modern formation with a three-man backline, quick-witted wingbacks and more flair in midfield, is the most exciting team England have treated fans to in some time. The team line ups have left those vocal supporters extremely excited to see what these Lions bring to the pitch this World Cup.

England have already recorded several milestones with only 2 games played. Harry Kane and his hat-trick against panama & the 6-1 score line against panama have given all of us some courage and excitement for this young team in this tournament. Harry Kane became the second England player to score in his first two FIFA World Cup appearances and the third to hit a hat-trick in the competition after Geoff Hurst and Gary Lineker. Kane has now scored five goals over two games and is firmly on his way to securing the Golden Boot if he keeps up his scoring streak. From Kane himself:

“The most important thing is winning games, and if my goals help my team win then that's the perfect situation. There are a lot of good players just behind me. Hopefully I can just continue and take it into our next games.”

Before the World Cup began the usual iconic teams coming into this tournament were down to be the favourites to win. But during many of the group games, there has been some shockers as teams have not performed as well as anticipated. Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal are just a few sides that are yet to perform to their best. With these teams not being on top form, this could be a breakthrough for England and has most certainly created more excitement for the upcoming games. The winner for this World Cup cannot be predicted as easy as other years, there is no outstanding favourite at this stage.

This England squad is one of the youngest England squads to go to a World Cup. With being such a cohesive and adaptable team their future within the World Cup is looking very positive, if they can keep the goals up and the defence strong when playing against teams with a little more pressure, England will be successful.

Could this really mean football is coming home? We really hope so…

World Cup Statistics

Top Scorers – Contenders for the ‘Golden Boot'

Harry Kane: 5 Goals Scored

Romelu Lukaku: 4 Goals Scored

Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 Goals Scored

Tournament Statistics:

105 Goals scored

129 Yellow Cards

3 Red Cards

30152 Passes Completed

2.6 Average Goals Per Match

3.2 Average Yellow Cards Per Match

0.08 Average Red Cards Per Match

753.8 Average Passes Per Match

Team Statistics:

Top Goals: BELGIUM with 8 Goals

Best Attacking: SPAIN with 197 Attacks

Best Passing: SPAIN with 2089 Passes Completed

Best Defending: IRAN with 149 Clearances, Tackles and Saves.

 40/ 64 MATCHES PLAYED