Between this coming Thursday and July 15, there should only be one answer to the question of ‘club vs country’ for most football fans.
The reality is very different, however, as the World Cup is a time when supporters’ different identities intertwine.
Spurs fans, for example, have no fewer than 12 players to look out for in Russia, spread across four different teams.
ENGLAND
Unsurprisingly, almost half of the Lilywhites’ representatives will be found in an England shirt. Harry Kane will captain the Three Lions, with Kieran Trippier and Danny Rose looking likely to be selected as Gareth Southgate’s first-choice wing-backs. Dele Alli may have to battle with Jesse Lingard for a starting spot but should nonetheless play a relatively major role.
The question mark is against Eric Dier, as he’ll be competing with Jordan Henderson if he’s to feature in his favoured role as a central midfielder. In the easier games – if there’s such a thing – Southgate isn’t likely to operate with both of them, though he could alternatively use Dier on the right side of a back three, where Kyle Walker has been utilised previously.
When are England playing?
Monday 18 June, 19:00 – Tunisia vs England
Sunday 24 June, 13:00 – England vs Panama
Thursday 28 June, 19:00 – England vs Belgium
FRANCE
Les Bleus are another side to boast a Spur as their skipper. Hugo Lloris is among a number of Premier League stars in Didier Deschamps’ hugely talented squad.
The 31-year-old has come in for criticism for his display against the USA, Julian Green’s goal in the 1-1 draw slipping through Lloris at the near post, which he seemed to have covered. However, given that Green was just a few yards out, it was hardly a glaring error and Deschamps is backing his goalkeeper all the way.
When are France playing?
Saturday 16 June, 11:00 – France vs Australia
Thursday 21 June, 16:00 – France vs Peru
Tuesday 26 June, 15:00 – Denmark vs France
BELGIUM
To many, Toby Alderweireld may have one foot out the door in north London, but it is worth watching Belgium nonetheless. When the Red Devils’ ‘Golden Generation’ are discussed, their Tottenham contingent are often overlooked, Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku instead hogging the limelight.
Jan Vertonghen is versatile and has often played as a left-back for Belgium. Spurs’ defensive duo are all the more important in the light of Vincent Kompany’s latest injury setback. In midfield, Mousa Dembele will be trying to force his way into contention, particularly as this might well be his last World Cup.
When are Belgium playing?
Monday 18 June, 16:00 – Belgium vs Panama
Saturday 23 June, 13:00 – Belgium vs Tunisia
Thursday 28 June, 19:00 – England vs Belgium
COLOMBIA
Davinson Sanchez has so far made nine appearances for the national side, who many are tipping to be among the dark horses this summer. That’s thanks in part to an attack that consists of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao. The irony is that they only scored 21 in 18 in the qualifiers and are actually more indebted to their tight defence than many realise.
In the warm-up match against Egypt, Sanchez played alongside Barcelona’s Yerry Mina, who himself is only 23, so he may not be able to rely on the sort of guidance he has been used to from Vertonghen. Colombia’s second game will see him tested against Robert Lewandowski.
When are Colombia playing?
Tuesday 19 June, 13:00 – Colombia vs Japan
Sunday 24 June, 19:00 – Poland vs Colombia
Thursday 28 June, 15:00 – Senegal vs Colombia
DENMARK
There’s a t-shirt which has been doing the rounds on social media which bears Denmark’s tactics: Kick-off > Pass to Eriksen. The playmaker is undoubtedly his nation’s star man. Indeed, were it not for his superb hat-trick against Ireland in November 2017, the Danes might not be going to the World cup at all.
The 26-year-old is heading to Russia in impressive form, contributing a goal and assist in the 2-0 win over Mexico, having returned to the side following the birth of his first child.
When are Denmark playing?
Saturday 16 June, 17:00 – Peru vs Denmark
Thursday 21 June, 13:00 – Denmark vs Australia
Tuesday 26 June, 15:00 – Denmark vs France
SOUTH KOREA
Spurs fans will be very familiar with how Son Heung-Min is received back home. South Koreans flocked to see him at Wembley last season and it’s fair to say the forward inspires something bordering on hysteria among many of his countrymen. Although his goalscoring exploits tailed off a little towards the end of the season – last netting for Spurs against Bournemouth on March 11 - he still ended the campaign with 18 in all competitions.
Son didn’t feature in the most recent friendly with Bolivia, which ended in a goalless draw, but he did notch for South Korea recently in the 2-0 win over Honduras.
When are South Korea playing?
Monday 18 June, 13:00 – Sweden vs South Korea
Saturday 23 June, 16:00 – South Korea vs Mexico
Wednesday 27 June, 15:00 – South Korea vs Germany
