World Cup Qualifiers – The Final Countdown

The first weekend in October sees what has been a rather moribund first stage qualification process come to an end, as the nations who’ll be in the draw for the World Cup 2018 groups will almost be finalised.

Several of Tottenham’s brightest stars will of course be in action, but what about when it comes to the finals themselves? What are the chances we’ll see some of Pochettino’s men plying their footballing trade in next summer’s tournament?

Here we quickly assess the chances of Spurs’ internationals being involved in 2018’s World Cup finals.

England (Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose, Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Dele Alli, Harry Winks)

Barring a miracle, England’s qualification should be a shoo-in. As is usual, England have largely sailed through a major international qualification tournament – it’s when the finals start that the English wheels fall off.

Captain Harry (Kane, not England new-boy Winks) and his boys only need a win from their two games against Slovenia and Lithuania, and their presence in Russia next summer is secured.

Belgium (Toby Aiderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele)

Barring an incredible set of unprecedented circumstances, Belgium will be in the hat for the finals draw. Belgium have won an easy Group H with two games to spare, so their matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus are largely pointless. Because of the success of Roberto Martinez’s men, Spurs fans can feel safe that at least three of their heroes will be enjoying World Cup football after the end of next season.

France (Hugo Lloris, Moussa Sissoko)

Although France currently top Group A, their qualification is far from certain. The closest thing this qualification campaign to a ‘Group of Death’, France have had to compete with Sweden, the Netherlands and an improved Bulgaria for their place in Russia, and their stumbling progress was not helped recently with no score draw at home to minnows Luxembourg.

Still, a point in Bulgaria and a win at home over struggling Belarus should see the French national team tiptoe over the qualification line.

The Netherlands (Michel Vorm)

Vorm has not been selected for the Dutch national squad since March, but with fifteen caps to his name there’s always chance that he’ll be selected over current third choice Jeroen Zoet, should the Netherlands manage to qualify. The Dutch are outsiders to even secure a playoff place though, as they currently sit third in Group A behind France and Sweden. They will have to beat Belarus handsomely then emerge victorious over Sweden if they want to keep their dreams alive.

Also in with chances of playing in Russia next year are Spain’s Fernando Llorente, Denmark’s Christian Eriksen and Wales’ Ben Davies. Away from Europe, Davidson Sanchez (Colombia), Son Heung-min (South Korea), Eric Lamela (Argentina) and Victor Wanyama (Kenya) might all be starting for their national teams next summer.

It’s likely that the World Cup of 2018 will be one to remember for Tottenham fans given the international make up of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. At least Spurs fans will have some interest in the 2018 World Cup once England make their customary early exit from the tournament!