Group E is without a doubt one of the most intriguing groups at this year’s World Cup considering the variety of countries involved and their varied style of football.

France: Whilst looking at France’s World Cup record it is fair and just to describe their form as highly inconsistent. At the last four competitions they’ve either failed to win a game (2002 and 2010) or have reached the final (1998 and 2006). I’m sure French fans will be hoping yang the latter will come true this summer, and the man that captained them success in 98 can manage them to yet another World Cup success (Didier Deschamps). Everybody so aware of the talent that his side posses, defensively they are well structured with experienced names such as Patrice Evra, Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna. In the midfield the presence of Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba will most definitely be beneficial. And upfront France are blessed with quality players such as Karim Benzema, Frank Ribery and Antoine Griezmann. Therefore France certainly have the capability to progress through from Group E.

Player to watch: Paul Pogba is a fantastic football player, who posses a combination of athleticism and skill, a vital attribute for any player. Since joining Juventus from Manchester United in 2012 this combination has been evident, and has led Pogba to receiving marvellous praise for his abilities. Over the course of two years in Turin the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals in 63 league appearances, a very impressive stat for a gifted young player. The midfielder certainly has the ability to play a crucial role for his national team in Brazil.

Where will France finish in Group E?: 1st

Switzerland: Switzerland enter the World Cup in full confidence considering their fine form, they were unbeaten in the qualifying stage and also have recorded a record nine clean sheets in their previous fifteen matches. This period includes a phenomenal 1-0 victory against the holders Brazil. It is clear that Switzerland’s defence is firm and well-structured however manager Ottmar Hitzfeld has highlighted his attack as his main weakness. Switzerland have been unable to replace their all-time leading goalscorer Alexander Frei and this could be a real concern in their aspirations to progress from Group E.

Player to watch: Borussia Monchengladbach’s central midfielder Granit Xhaka has had a truly remarkable season in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as a regular in Borussia Monchengladbach colours. The 21-year-old has received great praise from manager

Ottmar Hitzfeld who compared his talents similar to Bastian Schweinsteiger a player who he coached at Bayern Munich. His impressive performances has ignited a series of rumours linking him with a move to Italian giants Inter Milan. I’m sure that Xhaka will be eager to justify his manger’s comments this World Cup, and raise awareness of his talent.

Where will Switzerland finish in Group E? 2nd

Ecuador: Ecuador enter the competition with a truly dreadful away record, only managing three points in their eight away games during the qualifying stage. On a brighter note they only managed to drop two points at home against Argentina, and they’re a side renowned for it’s attacking prowess. In 2006 four years after their first World Cup, Ecuador did extremely well to reach the last 16 where they were eliminated by England. Manager Reinaldo Rueda will be hoping that his side can emulate the success achieved in Germany this tournament.

Player to watch: Felipe Caicedo is a name familiar to Manchester City fans as the Ecuadorian spent three years at the club. Caicedo is privileged to have experience considering he has played in the BPL, La Liga and the Swiss Super League (to name a few). The striker has been capped 49 times scoring 15 times a very impressive stat for a 25-year-old. Experience is a valuable asset to have in a prestigious tournament as the World Cup and therefore coach Rueda will be hoping that his experience could successfully lead the attacking line for Ecuador.

Where will Ecuador finish in Group E?: 3rd

Honduras: For the first time in their history Honduras have secure back-to-back World Cup qualification. However the squad does not consist of world-class players, with all due respect it is fair to say that their side is lacking of creativity and flair. Also they do not enter the World Cup in great form, as they managed only two clean sheets throughout the duration of the qualifying stage. Yet Honduras do posses an advantage over their opponents as they’re accustomed to playing in humid conditions.

Player to watch: Jerry Bengtson will potentially operate as a lone striker for Honduras however he established a lethal partnership with fellow striker Carlo Costly during the qualifiers. The pair netted a combined total of sixteen goals food for thought for the Honduras manager Luis Fernando Suarez. The striker has been capped 41 times by his country and in that period he has managed to score a total of nineteen goals. Perhaps Bengtson can lead Honduras to a surprising string of victories in Group E and help his side to avoid an early exit.

Where will Honduras finish in Group E?: 4th

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