The last group in the tournament and it features heavyweights and nations desperate for better form.
And last but not least, we have Group L starring England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
England
The manager
Thomas Tuchel. It’s still weird to see the former Chelsea and PSG manager as England manager. Southgate did an amazing job but left the door for success open for Tuchel as a trophy win still alludes the Three Lions. X years of hurt and all that. Tuchel is methodical and not afraid to drop players which can go any of two ways depending on results. He’ll be hoping for the sake of his job that it pays off.
Last World Cup
2022. In the groups, England finished top with wins against Iran (6–2) and Wales (3–0) before meeting Senegal in the round of 16 and beating them 3–0. They faced France in the quarter-finals but sadly lost 2–1. No penalties that time.
Who’s getting the goals
Harry Kane is in the form of his life and being the main man and all-time top scorer, he’s here there and everywhere. Jude Bellingham will also have a say whenever he’s on the pitch. Don’t count out Marcus Rashford off the bench after a great season for Barcelona. Same for Declan Rice or Reece James from distance.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Theme Park. A lot of rollercoaster rides in this one. Can they make it out on top or will they falter and have to regroup to find the common issue. Fans aren’t afraid to say what they feel and that definitely affects outcomes. It’s always a wild attraction, regardless.
Croatia
The manager
Zlatko Dalić. It’s been 9 years since Dalić took over and he’s brought Croatia back to that late 90s peak and kept them at that level. Clinical, efficient, and always in the conversation for nations to watch out for. Dalić has been instrumental in maintaining that.
Last World Cup
2018. They finished third after losing to Argentina in the semis but beating Morocco in the third-place playoff. It was a step down from their 2nd place finish in 2018 but still a remarkable run.
Who’s getting the goals
Add Croatia to the list of “anyone can score” teams. Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Mario Pašalić are key men in that category. Petar Musa and Marco Pašalić play in the US so their scoring stonks remain high. Does Modrić still have goals in him? Would be nice to mark his 200th cap with one.
If they were a video game, they would be…
Hades. One of the greatest in recent years. Plenty of action and you will pay if you’re not prepared.
Ghana
The manager
Carlos Queiroz. The former Man United assistant is still at it in his 70s. He only joined Ghana in April and he’ll want to reverse Ghana’s fortunes as they’ve faltered in recent years. The heady heights of the 2000s and 2010s are a glint in fans’ eyes but there’s still hope that they can regain consistency in this World Cup.
Last World Cup
2022. A solitary win against South Korea was all they could muster in the group stages despite pushing Portugal in their opening game.
Who’s getting the goals
Jordan Ayew is 34 but when national pride and determination kick in, you can do anything. Antoine Semenyo had a great season with Man City despite not winning the league. Iñaki Williams has that Spanish experience on hand to at least supply the strikers but maybe there’s a goal or two in him as well.
If they were a video game, they would be…
FM25. What happened? A disappointment to many and fans are praying things can get better.
Panama
The manager
Thomas Christiansen. The Dane actually played for Spain in 1993, scoring in a USA 1994 qualifier. Via a stint with Leeds United, Christiansen joined Panama in 2020 and after expected failures, they shocked CONCACAF by reaching the final of the CONCACAF Nations League final, losing to Mexico after a 93rd-minute penalty.
Last World Cup
2018. It was their debut and it wasn’t a great one. They finished with 3 defeats and 11 goals against, 6 of them scored by England.
Who’s getting the goals
Cecilio Waterman has played for a number of clubs in the last few years but he scores bagfuls wherever he goes and he’ll lead the charge at this World Cup at 35. José Fajardo will be expected to join him. Maybe Yoel Bárcenas too? Honestly, goals likely won’t rain down but they’re Panama’s best chances.
If they were a video game, they would be…
A Hat in Time. The most tenuous link possible but Panama are known for their hats, canal, and papers and A Hat in Time has hats (obviously), papers (storybook pages), and… a cruise that’s integral to the plot and the Panama Canal allows hundreds of cruises through every year.