Thursday 14 June 2018 11:52, UK
England head into the 2018 World Cup with low expectations but there are still plenty of reasons for fans to be positive ahead of the tournament.
Here, we take a look at five reasons the Three Lions can believe in Russia...
Harry Kane's goalscoring record for club and country is, frankly, remarkable. Even towards the end of the season when he was considered struggling for form and fitness he managed six goals in his final eight games in all competitions.
He scored seven goals in six appearances for England in 2017 and will hope to shake off his disappointing displays at Euro 2016.
If Kane can hit form in Russia then England will have arguably the most potent frontman in the world at their disposal right now.
And if Kane doesn't manage to hit form then England should have plenty of goals elsewhere. Raheem Sterling managed 23 last season for Manchester City while Jamie Vardy managed 24.
Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard both scored 14 in 2017/18, while Danny Welbeck's 16 goals in 39 caps makes him the most potent player in the travelling party heading to Russia.
For Welbeck, it's as many goals as he's scored in 80 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, suggesting he's more suited to scoring for country than club. A good sign for England.
England's defence is considered the weakest area of Gareth Southgate's squad but it's worth noting that no side conceded fewer goals in qualifying.
The Three Lions conceded in just two of their 10 games, twice against Scotland and once against Slovakia as they cruised through to the finals in Russia.
Spain were the only side that also conceded three times, suggesting England may be more secure at the back than people think.
Southgate has so far managed to avoid a lot of the pre-tournament mistakes of many of his predecessors. Players with fitness doubts haven't been selected and he's picked a squad he believes works as a unit rather than just the 23 best individuals.
The omission of Joe Hart and Chris Smalling also shows that being a big name or playing for a big club will not guarantee your involvement. Southgate has so far stuck to his own philosophy and has earned the chance to try and see through his plans in Russia.
Frankly, it doesn't get much more straightforward for England than their opening two games in Russia.
England don't often make things easy for themselves in major tournaments but Tunisia and Panama are both sides they should see off relatively comfortably, getting a few goals and building up some confidence in the process.
If all goes to plan then England will have already qualified by the time they meet Belgium in their final game and should be able to rest a few players in preparation for the last-16.
