ENGLAND'S QUEST FOR GLORY AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP BEGINS…

As semi-finalists in 2018, runners-up at UEFA EURO 2020... can England continue their upward trajectory by claiming the top spot in Qatar? Their squad is largely young, gifted, and tournament-hardened, led by Harry Kane - Adidas Golden Boot winner at the last FIFA World CupTM. Gareth Southgate's side was unbeaten in the Qatar 2022 qualifiers, scoring more goals (39) than any other European team, including Poland and Hungary. Even though the Three Lions lost another heart-breaking shootout in the EURO, the powerful campaign that preceded those penalties - which included victories over Croatia, Germany, and Denmark - strengthened their World Cup credentials.

However, doubts have begun to grow more recently. As a result of a series of poor performances this year, including a shock 4-0 loss in Budapest, fans' confidence has been dented and the team has been relegated from the UEFA Nations League. Southgate will also have plenty to consider ahead of the big match. A low ebb existed in England when Southgate took over as manager. After an ignominious last-16 defeat in the European Championship and an early exit from the 2014 World Cup, there were few signs that things were going to improve.

It was not considered an inspiring choice for the former center-half to lead that much-needed revival, but he went about this formidable task in his characteristically measured, understated manner. As well as introducing younger players and tweaking the system, it was equally as important to change the hostile, highly pressured atmosphere within the team. A number of high-profile and unsuccessful predecessors, including Fabio Capello, have described the England shirt as "heavy." Southgate was determined to lighten the weight of what Capello described as the "heaviness."

Furthermore, Southgate has also demonstrated his ability to adapt as a tactician, moving from the 3-5-2 formation that served him and England so well in Russia to employing 3-4-3 formations and, later, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations that took advantage of emerging talent's attributes. Due to the brutality of Hungary's attacks on the Three Lions' back four during this year's UEFA Nations League, Southgate may well be considering another tactical approach for Qatar 2022.

There has never been a player who has topped the scoring charts at consecutive FIFA World Cups, but Kane is the betting favorite to achieve this feat. It would be a major shock if the England captain did not score in Qatar, given his consistently impressive scoring rate for club and country. The 29-year-old scored 12 goals in just eight appearances during the 2022 qualifying campaign, one goal every 49 minutes. This could well prove crucial in pushing England ahead of their closest competition if Kane is able to enjoy another golden World Cup.

The idea of missing a penalty at the age of 19 could have dire consequences for your team's European championship. It is the ultimate testament to Bukayo Saka's mentality that he has already succeeded in shrugging off that setback last year, which was unthinkable. In recent months, the winger has been in superb form for his club, and Southgate has been an unabashed admirer. It is likely that he is underappreciated. Compared to some of our other attacking players, his profile is a little different. Throughout his day, he quietly performs his duties. However, I think you can see the consistency of his performance and the quality of his performance. Despite our faith in Saka, Qatar 2022 may well be the stage on which he proves that he is a super player.

By Rashmi Goel