sport news Europe's favourites in Qatar - Spain, Germany, France and England - struggle ... trends now

sport news Europe's favourites in Qatar - Spain, Germany, France and England - struggle ... trends now
sport news Europe's favourites in Qatar - Spain, Germany, France and England - struggle ... trends now

sport news Europe's favourites in Qatar - Spain, Germany, France and England - struggle ... trends now

The stat books are betraying the bookies ahead of this year's World Cup as a number of top international teams continue their struggle in form. 

England, Germany, France and Spain all suffered embarrassing defeats in the Nations League over the international break, throwing doubt into their chances for the Qatar tournament this year.

And with South America's Brazil and Argentina looking in good stead, and the emergence of a few dark horses in Europe, Sportsmail assesses which teams look to have the best chance of glory in Qatar later this year. 

The race for World Cup glory later this year has been blown wide open after recent results

The race for World Cup glory later this year has been blown wide open after recent results

SPAIN

Luis Enrique's side have fallen far from the pedestal on which they once used to stand on, in the international football scene. 

Across the last decade, Spain's dominance saw them become only national team to win three consecutive major titles - after success at Euro 2008 and 2012, with the 2010 World Cup sandwiched inbetween.

However in recent years, they've looked far from emulating such success - with their recent Nations League defeat only compounding this idea. 

Though they dominated possession, Enrique's side failed to make it count as they were beaten 2-1 by Switzerland at the Estadio de la Romareda. 

The 52-year-old boss will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and avoid a Round of 16 exit from the World Cup in Qatar - such as they suffered in Russia back in 2018. 

Spain suffered their first defeat since October 2021 as they lost 2-1 to Switzerland on Saturday

Spain suffered their first defeat since October 2021 as they lost 2-1 to Switzerland on Saturday

GERMANY 

After disappointing performances at the most recent Euros and World Cup, Germany will be looking to re-instate themselves at the top of the football pyramid.

And throughout their Nations League journey, they'd looked in good stead - up until their recent match-up with Hungary. 

Hansi Flick's side were undone by an early Ádám Szalai goal at the Red Bull Arena on Friday night and were later blasted for their poor attacking display, despite their wealth of talent.

This first loss of the Flick era suggested Germany, who face England this evening, have plenty of their own issues to solve if they are to stand a chance of conquering the world once more. 

Germany will be looking to emulate their World Cup glory from 2014 when they travel to Qatar

Germany will be looking to emulate their World Cup glory from 2014 when they travel to Qatar

FRANCE 

The reigning World Cup champions will have a lot to prove when Didier Deschamps' side land in Qatar later this year.

Murmurs of discontent have been surrounding Les Blues for a number of weeks now

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT sport news Stuart MacGill: Details of cricket legend's alleged coke deal gone wrong are ... trends now