Belgium kicks off the World Cup in Russia as deserved favorites of Group G. England should claim the second spot, but Tunisia will not be easy to get rid of. Panama should bring up the rear in their first World Cup appearance.
Belgium
Odds To Win Group G: -120
Belgium have the tools to go far in Russia. Kevin De Bruyne was the best player in England this season, but he and Eden Hazard have to find a way to play together. Leaving Radja Nainggolan out of the team might come back to bite Belgium. If healthy, a three-man back line of Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Vincent Kompany could be excellent. Romelu Lukaku can take his chances up front. The biggest obstacle for this team is attitude and belief. They have an incredible amount of talent, but Belgium has to believe that they can compete with the likes of German, France and Brazil. Winning Group G is the minimum for Belgium. They need to make a semifinal run in this World Cup to be successful.
England
Odds To Win Group G: +120
England has to make out of Group G after losing to Iceland in the round of 16 at Euro 2016. Harry Kane can cement his place as a top striker with a strong tournament, while Raheem Sterling is coming off a great club season. However, Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier are underwhelming in midfield, and England has been forced to go with five defenders at the back. The problem is, Kyle Walker is playing a makeshift center-back instead of a fullback, where he is much better. Also, Jack Butland is starting his first major tournament as the #1 goalkeeper. Should England finish at least second in Group G? Absolutely. Will they? Yes, but it is not a very confident “yes”. It all depends on which England team shows up in Russia.
Tunisia
Odds To Win Group G: +1200
Tunisia has a few good players, although losing striker Youssef Mskani to injury could be a huge blow. That puts a lot of pressure on Wahbi Khazri to not only create for others, but score himself. Tunisia also had other injury concerns going into this tournament. How healthy are Mohamed Amine Ben Amor and Ghailene Chaalali? Defender Ali Maaloul also had an injury knock going into the World Cup. A full-strength Tunisia could have challenged for second place in the group and they still could, depending on England. However, they will probably come up just short. A win over Panama is very possible, though.
Panama
Odds To Win Group G: +4000
Panama are making their very first World Cup appearance, so expectations should be very tempered. Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo leads a group that has a lot of experience, but they do not have any world-class players. That being said, Panama are not going to back down from anyone in this group and probably will not get beaten badly. But they will bring up the rear in Group G. However, this is a good thing for young players in Panama to see.
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