Leicester’s International Foxes Prepare for World Cup Glory

Leicester City will have a record nine players representing their respective countries at the World Cup in Russia. Six countries spread out across five groups with only one pair meeting each other in the group stages, Tunisia and England. Let’s take a country-by-country look at each Fox in the camp.

Portugal - Group B

European Champion Adrien Silva made the final squad for his country in their quest for World Cup glory. The midfielder made 15 appearances for the Foxes this season and really started to hit his stride towards the end of the campaign. With one goal already under his belt in Russia, a Confederations cup goal vs Mexico, he’ll be looking to spark some more offense if Portugal are to make a historic run to the final.

Silva will be joined in Russia by the Foxes’ latest signing, RB Ricardo Pereira.

Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Denmark - Group C

Kasper Schmeichel ended the season in the stands, thanks to a nagging ankle injury, and may miss out on starting at the World Cup should it not heal in time. He’s in the 35-man preliminary squad, but has three other keepers along side him to compete for the spot if he’s not healed. As Denmark’s most capped keeper, I don’t think they’d risk dropping him even if he’s at 50%.

Photo by Andrew Halseid-Budd/Getty Images

Nigeria - Group D

The Super Eagles host the most Foxes of any side in the World Cup with three. Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Ahmed Musa only had one appearance for Leicester this season and then spent most of his time out of the side before his loan back to CSKA Moscow. He had a great goal return while back at his old club, scoring seven goals in sixteen appearances.

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Kelechi Iheanacho took some time to get used to life at Leicester, but as the season winded down, he really laid some roots down for next season. Scoring eight goals in 28 appearances, he and Jamie Vardy really started to blossom as a partnership in the waning days of the season.

Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images

Wilfred Ndid makes it three Foxes in Nigeria’s green & white. For me, Leicester’s player of the season, ended his first full season at the club with an injury, but still will play a part in Nigeria’s World Cup adventure. They’re my dark horse to go far in the cup. Do the club proud, lads!

Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

England - Group G

Harry Maguire has had quite a ride since joining Leicester. Got his first call-up to the England squad and never looked back. I think he’ll do well, if he starts. Who knows with Gareth Southgate, though.

Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Let’s all face it, Harry Kane will get shut down at parts this World Cup and England will need a hero. Enter the Blue WKD fueld Jamie Vardy. He’s the first Fox to ever score 10 goals, three seasons in a row in the Premier League. He’s looked in fine form all season and when he gets the ball his speed is hard for anyone to defend against.

Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Tunisia - Group G

Whatever your opinion is on Yohan Benalouane is, he’s going to the World Cup with Tunisia. Most known for his Instagram posts and his horrible taclking, he is certainly a last resort for defenders in Claude Puel’s side. I’m sure he defended fine in Italy, but he’s never really found his stride in England.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Japan - Group H

Everyone’s favorite Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki is included in the Blue Samurai squad. Started off bright this season, but like much of the squad, fell out of form and favor while Claude Puel tinkered to find his style. He also had the occasional injury, which certainly didn’t help him much. He should come on as a super sub for Japan in the World Cup. I for one would like to see him score a goal or two.

Photo by Kaz Photography/Getty Images

Whatever their fates are, I wish them all well, just come back healthy and ready to win the league next season.