Always interesting to read what the non-English press think of our chances. I bought a French-language guide in Brussels the other day and here are some roughly translated snippets about England:
Strong points: Kane is one of the best attackers in the world; excellent on the counter-attack
Weak points: Lack of options in goal could cause problems; lose the ball too often in midfield
England were strongly criticised after been eliminated twice in the quarter-finals (in 2002 and 2006), but the majority of Three Lions fans would be delighted with this outcome in Russia having been given a cold shower in Brazil four years ago. Knocked out by Iceland in 2016, the national team no longer arouses as much public interest as in the past.
England remained unbeaten in a moribund qualification group in which second-placed Slovakia failed to qualify for the playoffs thanks to their low points tally.
Manager Gareth Southgate knows how to turn a phrase, but was relegated with Middlesbrough in his one and only spell at a club. His most recent experience at international level was with the under-21s, where he was eliminated at the group stage.
Kane is the key player despite a poor Euro 2016, but he has remained one of the most fearless and feared strikers in the world with Tottenham, having scored 56 goals in 52 games in 2017, more than any other player in the world.
Raheem Sterling is the rising star; having regressed a little following his €56m move from Liverpool, Pep Guardiola believed in him and is now one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe.
Prediction: With this favourable draw, the Three Lions will probably progress to the quarter finals, but they have an unfortunate habit of crumbling in front of the bigger teams.
What to bet on: Second in the group stage behind La Belgique.
