UEFA combined XI: The strongest federation?
The European and South American football federations, UEFA and CONMEBOL, have shared the destination of the World Cup trophy since its inception in 1930. European teams are slightly out in front with 11 trophies; Germany (4), Italy (4), France (1), England (1) and Spain (1). Three countries from South America have gone all the way in a World Cup final; Brazil (5), Argentina (2) and Uruguay (2). It is probably fair to say that UEFA have had more recent success, with only two CONMEBOL country winners since 1990.
From the 32 nations that have already qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, what would the UEFA combined XI look like?
Note: This isn't a combined XI from the UEFA Champions League
UEFA - Manager and Formation
For the manager of the UEFA XI, it's very difficult to look beyond Pep Guardiola for what he has achieved in management in a relatively short career so far. The Catalan has claimed 23 trophies with three different clubs since the 2008/09 season, two of them coming this year, with Manchester City winning the EFL Cup and strolling to third Premier League win in the last 6 years, all while playing incredibly attractive football.
Honourable Mentions: Jupp Heynckes, Jurgen Klopp, Maurizio Sarri
As is in vogue at the moment, 4-3-3 could suit the players available to the European selection. The goalkeeper and back four are conventionally set up, with a deep-lying protector sitting in front of them to screen attacks. The two more advanced central midfielders will have a little more liberty in the centre of the park, but their main job will be to supply the highly advanced attacking trident.