Manchester City leading team to feature players in World Cup squads

With the World Cup just a week away from starting, we look at the Manchester City stars that will be featuring at the greatest international soccer tournament.

The nations were forced to submit their player list for the FIFA World Cup in Russia due to the deadline on 4 June, with a number of inclusions and omissions springing a surprise or two.

There are 16 Manchester City players featuring in the 32 teams that will grace the pitches in Russia this summer.

The biggest inclusion was Vincent Kompany in the Belgium squad after he was a major doubt for the tournament. The captain sustained a groin injury in the warm-up game against Portugal on Saturday, forcing him to go for a scan during the game. The Red Devils are hopeful the defender will be fit to start their opening game against Panama on 18 June.

There was no surprise as Kevin De Bruyne will be joining him as Roberto Martinez’s side will be looking to win their first major international honours.

One person who will be defending their nation’s World Cup triumph is İlkay Gündoğan. The German midfielder was selected in Joachim Low’s final 23-man squad, however it should had been two, as Leroy Sane was omitted to much of football world’s surprise. The 22-year-old was seen as a sure thing and was omitted due to his defensive weaknesses.

Two of the favourites to lift the trophy in Moscow on 15 July are the South American giants, Brazil and Argentina. Players from the title winning squad both feature for each respective nation, with Ederson, Danilo, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus in the Selecao, while Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi will likely be featuring in the starting eleven for Jorge Sampaoli’s team.

On the European continent, Benjamin Mendy, Bernardo Silva and David Silva will be lacing their boots in this Russia this summer.

Next: Will Kevin de Bruyne shine at the World Cup?

The French left back has done well to come back from a seven-month knee injury, to be included in the squad that has the potential to go far with an impressive average young.

The midfield Silva duo will face each other in Sochi as Spain and Portugal will both be looking to make their mark as the winner will likely top Group B.

England will be hoping that the Cityzens in their squad can lead them to World Cup glory. Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Fabian Delph will be hoping that their domestic success can be replicated on the international stage.