Playing in their last world cup

[wpdavid]

There seem to be an unusually large number of great or very good players who won't be around for the next World Cup. Obviously Messi, Ronaldo, Modric, Alves, Lewandwski and Saurez. Thiago Silva and Cavani too. Kyle Walker probably, and Harry Kane. Also Neuer and Muller. If we feel inclined to raise an XI, who else is there? At present it's a bit forwards-heavy and light on defenders and midfielders.

 

[GIMH]

Kane will be there IMO. Probably not leading the line game after game given he’s had his injury troubles but he strikes me as one not to retire from internationals until he retires full stop.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Hopefully Pickford, Stones and Maguire will not be around, Henderson definitely won’t. There’s probably some decent German, Spanish and Dutch players who won’t be back, but I can’t think who without Googling - and I hate to do that.

 

[GIMH]

Maguire will be next England captain IMO

 

[Uppercut]

It does feel like the most recognisable superstars are unusually old at the moment. Lots of that generation’s absolute best players managing to sustain a high level into their mid-30s. I think Mbappe is the only youngish player with that kind of profile.

 

[Furball]

It does feel like the most recognisable superstars are unusually old at the moment. Lots of that generation’s absolute best players managing to sustain a high level into their mid-30s. I think Mbappe is the only youngish player with that kind of profile.

Jude.

 

[ripper868]

Belgium.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Belgium.

My first thought when I saw the thread title was "Wales".

 

[Pothas]

It does feel like the most recognisable superstars are unusually old at the moment. Lots of that generation’s absolute best players managing to sustain a high level into their mid-30s. I think Mbappe is the only youngish player with that kind of profile.

Yeah and Haaland not being there of course.

 

[Pothas]

Jude.

Gavi and Pedri as well but they are in that very young category.

Neymar one of the big names not mentioned but not really convinced it will be his last although I think he might have said it will be?

 

[Furball]

Gavi and Pedri as well but they are in that very young category.

Neymar one of the big names not mentioned but not really convinced it will be his last although I think he might have said it will be?

Pretty sure he'll want to win one. And Brazil have enough good young talent like Vini and Rodrygo that Brazil can do in 2026 what the Argentina team is doing in 2022 in terms of doing it for Messi.

 

[wpdavid]

Belgium.

Yes, I completely forgot about them. Several great/very good players who won't be around in four years' time.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

I thought the joke was that Belgium were playing at their last ever World Cup.

 

[wpdavid]

I thought the joke was that Belgium were playing at their last ever World Cup.

Maybe it was, but it works either way.

 

[ripper868]

It was indeed intended both ways

 

[Salamuddin]

Virgil van Dijk