Squad value is always a great indicator for success in club football – can the same be said for the international stage?
Ah, international breaks. You can almost hear the collective groan of the nation whenever one eventually rolls around, and it sinks in that we will be without elite club football for more than three days.
But bear in mind, this is a World Cup year. It’s not long before our boys – or the boys of whatever national team you support – will be wandering out onto that pitch in Qatar.
The world’s most valuable national teams
We know squad value is a great indicator for success, at the end of the day the higher the value, the better the players in theory. It’s always been an integral element of the Manchester City or the Real Madrid business model. It breeds success.
Besides, you only have to look at the transfer values of some of the most sought-after players on Virgin Bet FIVES to see that big-money valuations and top-class performances fit hand in glove.
So, with the World Cup on the horizon why not take a look at the 30 most valuable international squads in football. (Source: transfermarkt)
30. Mali- £169.56 million
29. Ukraine- £174.87 million
28. United States- £185.04 million
27. Sweden- £188.57 million
26. Mexico- £189.54 million
25. Morocco- £195.86 million
24. Switzerland- £206.28 million
23. Austria – £219.51 million
22. Nigeria- £242.33 million
21. Scotland- £244.53 million
20. Poland- £251.19 million
19. Turkey- £270.09 million
18. Colombia- £274.59 million
17. Denmark- £286.20 million
16. Ivory Coast- £288.68 million
15. Croatia- £288.81 million
14. Norway- £289.08 million
13. Senegal- £298.40 million
12. Serbia- £302.94 million
11. Belgium- £312.30 million
10. Uruguay- £347.76 million
9. Argentina- £526.95 million
8. Italy- £527.40 million
7. Netherlands- £530.55 million
6. Germany- £666.45 million
5. Portugal- £672.75 million
4. Spain- £705.15 million
3. Brazil- £761.40 million
2. France- £873.45 million
1. England- £940.05 million
England top the charts
The Three Lions are in at number one and when you think about it, it’s not too much of a surprise. Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice when it comes to young world class talent, the issue is getting them all on the pitch, especially when it comes to right-backs…
Then of course you have the Harry Kane factor, who adds about as much to the team value as he does to England’s hopes of winning their first World Cup since 1966 and your chances of thriving on Virgin Bet FIVES. Plenty.
At number two, France. ‘Les Bleus’ always seem to have the best players around and with the form Karim Benzema is in, you might even have to treat them as favourites for the prize.
Whilst the remainder of the top five is made up by Brazil, Spain, and Portugal. All full to the brim with talent from the English and Spanish first divisions.
There are a few surprises, though, with Belgium not even breaking the top 10. The ‘Red Devils’ might officially be ranked as the number one national side in the world; however, many of their better players are the wrong side of 30 hampering their total value.
Dare it be suggested that it will hamper them on the pitch also? It seems we could be about to wave goodbye to the so called ‘Golden Generation’ trophy-less.
Could team valuations prove a strong measure for success in the upcoming World Cup? Who knows. But England fans will surely think so.
This article is brought to you by Virgin Bet. To get involved yourself, head to Virgin Bet FIVES. Across Monday to Friday, you’ll be given five random players for the weekend’s fixtures; each time one scores, you get free cash, up to £50. Go to Virgin Bet for full terms and conditions. 18+ and please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
