Is England Worthy of the 2019 FIFA World Cup Championship?

With the 2019 FIFA World Cup still fresh in our memories, the question remains: Is England truly deserving of the title of 2019 World Cup champions? Let us explore the factors that contribute to this possibility, drawing parallels to their historic 1966 victory.

Midfield Tenacity and Skill

One of the key strengths of the 1966 England team was their midfield, which effectively won and distributed possession. In the 2019 squad, we see similar qualities with players such as Mason Mount, Ross Barkley, and Declan Rice. Each of these players brings a tenacious approach to winning the ball and a willingness to support the team with accurate passing.

Midfield Comparisons: 1966 vs. 2019

1966: Alan Ball and Nobby Stiles 2019: Mason Mount, Ross Barkley, and Declan Rice

Mason Mount, for example, is praised for his technical skills, much like Martin Peters in the 1966 squad. Similarly, Bukayo Saka and other young players have shown exceptional promise, reminiscent of the youthful star power in the 1966 team.

Attack and Forward Players

The forward line in 1966 was anchored by Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst, two prolific scorers who drove the team forward. Today, we can see a similar dynamic with Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish. Despite some initial skepticism, Sterling has proven himself an essential player, while Grealish has consistently been a threat with his flair and creativity.

Forward Comparisons: 1966 vs. 2019

1966: Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst 2019: Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane

In the 2019 squad, Harry Kane is a dominant presence, comparable to Geoff Hurst in 1966. His goal-scoring ability and leadership are crucial assets that can drive the team to success.

Defensive Rigor

The 1966 team was known for their defensive resilience, led by goalkeeper Gordon Banks. While the 2019 squad does not have a world-class goalkeeper, they are still a solid defensive unit with players like Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker providing stability.

Defensive Comparisons: 1966 vs. 2019

1966: Gordon Banks 2019: Jordan Pickford

While Jordan Pickford has exceptional leadership and an admirable record, some might argue that his defensive commands and overall performance can be better. However, the overall defensive strength remains strong, similar to how Gordon Banks held the line in 1966.

Future Talent on the Horizon

The 1966 team also benefited from a young talent like Bobby Charlton, who later became a star player. The 2019 team has its own pool of young talent, including young stars like Ethan Ampadu, Ollie Watkins, and Ben Godfrey. These players could potentially push their way into the senior team as they develop and grow in experience.

Conclusion

While there are some areas for improvement, such as backup goaltending, the overall strength of the 2019 England team is remarkable. They have shown resilience and skill, much like the 1966 team. The future looks promising for English football, and with the conditions in Qatar playing a role, there is indeed a chance for England to maintain their position as World Cup champions.

Do you think England can replicate their 1966 success in 2019? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!