World Cup 2022 in Qatar: can England’s men’s team repeat the women’s Euro success?
There is no doubt that women’s soccer has grown hugely around the world in recent years and is finally getting the recognition it deserves. This can not only be seen at a domestic level but also in the greater coverage of women’s international soccer. One story that sums this up and drew headlines across the planet was England’s women’s team winning the European Championships in 2022.
Of course, women’s soccer does not exist in isolation and this means people who follow it also maintain an interest in what else is happening in the sport. The men’s World Cup in 2022 is a case in point and is likely to attract plenty of viewers when it kicks off in late November. Many people who tune in will be keen to see if England’s men can repeat the exploits of the women’s team to lift a major trophy. But what do the latest World Cup odds tell us and why could England pull off a fantastic win in the biggest tournament soccer has to offer?
FIFA World Cup 2022 – what do the bookies think?
It is always worth checking out the latest odds at online sportsbooks when trying to pin down if England really do stand a good chance. This is naturally even more important if you plan to bet on an England win overall or wager on games that involve the team.
But just what do the current odds tell us? It is actually looking promising for England because they sit in second place in the overall betting right now, with odds of around +700. This leaves only Brazil, who are clear favorites with odds of around +400, ahead of them. Behind England, France (+600), Argentina (+700) and Spain (+800) look to pose the biggest threat.
Why might England win in Qatar?
To drill down into why England ride so high in the betting currently, you have to start with their squad. Put simply, manager Gareth Southgate has some of the world’s best players at his disposal and this leaves them with a great chance of success in Qatar.
Although they might not have been on top scoring form lately, the English side is especially well stocked offensively. Players such as Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Raheem Stirling, for example, have the talent to blow away most other sides in the competition.
Manager and draw also in England’s favor
In addition to the players, you also have to acknowledge that manager Southgate is another reason they stand a great chance of winning. He showed at the last men’s European Championship in 2021 and last men’s World Cup in 2018 that he knows how to do well in international tournament soccer. Southgate has also been in charge of the England men’s side for a while now and this will bring much-needed stability to the camp.
It also seems a rather favorable draw has played into England’s chances of winning the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Their qualifying group contains Iran, the USA and Wales, and this will leave the side with every chance of moving into the later stages of the competition.
What stands in England’s way of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Just as England’s women will be hoping they can win the FIFA 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, England’s men will be eyeing up a win in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But what could stand in their way of this?
You do have to worry to some extent about their recent form coming into the competition. It is fair to say the side have not looked at their best overall and have even struggled to score goals lately. While a recent 3-3 draw against Germany helped somewhat, previous defeats to Italy (1-0) and Hungary (4-0) show there is cause for concern.
While the English attack and midfield should step up when the action gets under way, the defense is another matter entirely. Southgate’s side have not looked solid at the back and seem too easy to score against.
Players like Harry Maguire look out of sorts and the team’s soft underbelly could be an issue. Manager Gareth Southgate may need to follow the strategy of the women’s side and take a more positive approach to games in order to take the pressure off his defense.
Can England’s men repeat the success of England’s women?
England’s women’s team winning the 2022 Euros was a massive achievement and a huge moment in women’s soccer. As all eyes turn to the forthcoming World Cup in late 2022, it will be interesting to see if the English men’s team can repeat this type of success.
The WSU Team bringing you news and updates from the world of women’s football.