Russia 2018 Preview - Group G

Morning, chaps - we've finally reached that group, the one that includes the promise of English glory...or devastation - Group G:

Belgium - The vagaries of FIFA rankings produced Belgium, a side that has never won any major honors, as the seeded nation in this group instead of one, England, that, ahem, actually has. No matter, Belgium it is at the top of this group and, as they have for several cycles now, the Red Devils offer a roster full of exciting young talent that has yet shown its full potential at this level. Belgium was one of the first nations to book its place to Russia, sailing through its weak qualifying group dropping only two points along the way. On paper, Roberto Martinez's side has the full package: a tight defense in front a classy goalkeeper in Thibault Courtois, a talented and creative midfield with standouts such as Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne and Chelsea's Eden Hazard, and a potent front line led by Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku. What could possibly go wrong? Well, as we've seen at previous tournaments, Belgium somehow fail to impress on the highest stage. Will this be the time that Belgium's Golden Generation finally shines?

Panama - Few teams had a more dramatic road to Russia than did Panama, qualifying out of CONCACAF on the very last day of qualifying due to Roman Torres' disputed headed goal against Costa Rica, which knocked out the U.S. No other team will be as unfamiliar to international audiences as will Panama, which has a squad largely drawn from Major League Soccer. Torres, a line-backer sized Seattle Sounders defender, is the star of the side. Merely having a place at the party for the first time in its history will be enough for the Canal Men.

Tunisia - Tunisia come to Russia 2018 as another relatively unfamiliar force, with most of its squad playing domestically or for second-tier European clubs. Like Panama, they'll likely line up defensively, especially against Belgium and England, with Marseille defender Aymen Abdenour at the center of operations. Midfielder Wahbi Khazri is another one to watch - he makes Tunisia tick. It's unlikely the Tunisia will progress at the expense of their stronger European group mates; however, if they do, they'll need to keep it tight in their first two matches and then hope for a big win against Panama.

England - Oh, England, my Lionheart - what do you have in store for me this summer? The excitement of a 1990 campaign or the despair of the 2014 campaign? Like Belgium, England have a strong side full of players with Premier League and Champions League experience. Indeed, that clash on June 28 is will probably feel like a Spurs v. Chelsea match. Spurs striker Harry Kane has scored 30 goals in three consecutive club seasons, so he must have a shout for Golden Boot this summer. And he'll have ample support from his club-mate Dele Alli. England have to their advantage a youthful squad that perhaps won't feel the weight of expectations that previous generations have. An easy group and Round of 16 match-up should see them through to the Quarters where they'll meet either Brazil or Germany. But isn't that precisely the kind of match that all England fans want to see in mid July?

Predictions - England to top the group after a thrilling goal-filled group stage, Belgium to place. Panama and Tunisia are frankly quite rubbish. Who cares about them? Okay, I am a dreamer.