Group F
This group has an interesting mix of teams with Germany being the favourites. Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been included in the squad, but is unlikely to start due to Joachim Low’s belief in Manuel Neuer. The 32-year-old has only just come back from injury, but he is first-choice. There is little more Ter Stegen could have done after an excellent individual season.
Die Mannschaft are one of the top teams in the tournament as they aim to defend their title. They have improved since the last World Cup even though key players such as Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger retired. Leroy Sane’s shock exclusion serves a remainder of their strength in depth as well as the maverick nature of Low.
Mexico could pose them major issues if they are able to hinder build-up through their intense high pressing style. However, Sweden and South Korea are unlikely to have enough to seriously challenge them. Germany should finish top of the group and really show their strength in the high pressure knockout rounds.
Group G
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Thomas Vermaelen is the Barcelona representative in this group, although he’s unlikely to start. He is part of a talented Belgian side that has Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Kompany ahead of him in the pecking order. Belgium are one of the hardest sides to predict in terms of how well they will do. Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are two fantastic attacking players, but the issue is whether Roberto Martinez can bring the best out of them without leaving the team exposed.
England, Panama and Tunisia make up the rest of the group. Therefore, it should be a relatively straightforward route into the Round of Sixteen. The last game against England is likely to serve as a battle for first place. That will be an entertaining game because both sides have ambitious set-ups. If Belgium can click together in their system then they could go really far, but they could also easily be flops.