2018 FIFA World Cup- Pundit Predictions
Some of our English pundits have given their verdicts on the teams and players to watch out for in Russia
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just a day away. beIN is bringing you live & Exclusive coverage from every game in Russia with our World Class pundits delivering their verdicts throughout the tournament MAX HD3. Ahead of the tournament, we have asked some of our English pundits to give their view on the winner, player to watch and surprise package from the tournament.
Phil Jagielka- the Everton centre-back went with the Three Lions to the World Cup in 2014, and knows all about representing the Three Lions on the biggest stage. Jagielka has picked out Brazil as potential winners, as they have a great squad and plenty of experience to go all the way. French teenager Kylian Mbappé is set to be the standout player of the tournament, and will be expected to score the goals to fire Le Blues into the knockout stages. Finally, Jagielka believes that Senegal have the potential to surprise in Russia. The squad is packed with pace and Premier League talent and have a capable goal scorer in Sadio Mane.
Team to Win- Brazil.
Player to Watch- Kylian Mbappé, France
Surprise Package- Senegal.
Paul Robinson- The former Leeds, Tottenham and Blackburn Rovers was in goal for England during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and knows all about the pressure about representing his country. Robinson is going with Brazil to win the World Cup, whilst Seleção star Neymar is his pick to be the star of the tournament. After impressing in 2014, Robinson is backing Costa Rica to surprise again at the World Cup.
Team to Win- Brazil.
Player to Watch- Neymar, Brazil
Surprise Team- Costa Rica.
Alex Mc Leish- The current Scotland boss has gone with Brazil to go all the way in Russia, whilst Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala will be his player to watch out for. Finally, Peru is set to surprise in their first World Cup for 36 years, expect them to get out of group C.
Team to Win- Brazil.
Player to Watch- Paulo Dybala, Argentina.
Surprise Package- Peru.
John Collins- Former Scotland international Collins has backed Brazil to pick up their sixth World Cup. PSG teenager Kylian Mbappé will be the player to watch in the tournament, whilst France is set to be the surprise package according to the former AS Monaco player.
Team to Win- Brazil.
Player to Watch- Kylian Mbappé, France
Surprise Package- France.
Alan Curbishley- Former Charlton Athletic and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is going with Brazil to win the World Cup again, this time in Russia. Whilst Curbishley believes that Kylian Mbappé will be the player to watch at the tournament after scoring 13 league goals for PSG this season. As for a surprise package, the vastly talented squad of Belgium have the potential to surprise in Russia.
Team to Win- Brazil.
Player to Watch- Kylian Mbappé, France.
Surprise Team- Belgium.
As ever you can watch a live stream of all the match action Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.