World Cup Preview: Group G

Belgium

It goes without saying that Belgium are a good team, they went through qualifying without a hitch and have some of the best players in the world and Simon Mignolet. Kevin De Bruyne is only a Miss World girlfriend and a personality away from being one of the most rock and roll players on the planet. Critics may say Lukaku is a flat track bully they have got other options in the underrated Batshuayi and ageing Mertens. They have a very good defence, cracking keeper, a very good midfield and know how to score a goal. The big thing I have against them is the manager Roberto Martinez. Rather limited in tactics, slow to spot a game drifting away and he's already left out one of their best players. Should go deep but there are a lot of questions.


England

England had a good qualifying campaign finishing well ahead of their closest rivals. A decent squad made up mostly of players from the top five in the English league. Its very much a common sense squad - with the highlights being Kane, Ali and Sterling. Weather England can do anything depends on how well these three players gel. The big question from us neutrals though is "can England actually play well?" They have had some awful matches the over the last decade, however it is the firm belief of this blogger that if they can get the monkey off their backs they can at least get to the quarters.


Panama

Panama made it through Central American qualification by the skin of their teeth. Will struggle to get anything in this group.


Tunisia

A tough qualifying campaign saw them narrowly beat Doctor Congo to qualify. A team made up of journeymen and up and comers from around the world. Its between them and Panama over who finishes third.


Summing Up

Its a bit of a dull group, Belgium and England will get through its a question of in which order.
Tips: I see no value here, the obvious market is winner and its pick your poison between Belgium and England.
One to watch: Kevin De Bruyne who has been in awesome form this season.
Dark horse to watch: Gareth Southgate, after finishing up at Middlesbrough in 2009 not much has been seen of him, one to watch and many questions over him.