FIFA’s official game has opened up with managers handed $100million to sign a squad of 15 players from the globe’s top stars out in Qatar.
Unlimited transfers are in order until the matchday 1 deadline of 4pm GMT on Sunday, so get started picking your team – and here are some tips to get you going…
Harry Kane – England – $11m
The 2018 Golden Boot winner is back to lead the line for England who, whether you are a Gareth Southgate devotee or a Three Lions pessimist, are very well placed to progress past the group. A guaranteed starter and on penalty duties, Kane scores goals.
Karim Benzema – France – $11m
Who exactly you captain this week will be down to gut feeling as there are so many good options. Australia are solid candidates to be swatted aside by the French with the Ballon d’Or winner enjoying his international renaissance… if you can trust his injury situation.
Christian Eriksen – Denmark – $8m
The Danes are dark horses after fine showings in recent years and Eriksen remains their creator in chief. Eriksen averages a goal involvement every other game for his country since returning from a cardiac arrest.
Diogo Costa – Portugal – $5m
Fernando Santos’ notoriously stodgy Portuguese defence may not be what it once was but it still holds out a good chance of denying Ghana on matchday 1. Costa is the Selecao’s No1 goalkeeper ahead of Wolves’ Jose Sa.
Lucas Hernandez – France – $5.5m
Didier Deschamps will play four at the back in Qatar but who will be his left-back? Ferland Mendy’s absence suggests a shootout between Lucas Hernandez and his brother Theo. If picked, the Bayen Munich man will be a threat at both ends.
Dusan Vlahovic – Serbia – $8.5m
A record of eight goals and four assists in 16 Serbia games is really not something to be sniffed at. Brazil will be a tough test this week but Vlahovic certainly has the potential to carry his country out of the groups.
Kieran Trippier – England – $5m
With Reece James out and Kyle Walker injured, Trippier is a good bet to beat Trent Alexander-Arnold and start at right wing-back for England vs Iran. Set pieces and crosses into the box will arrive aplenty from the Newcastle star.
