SCOUTING REPORT

Manager

Stanislav Cherchesov

The former Russia goalkeeper managed eight clubs in just 12 years before taking charge of the national team in 2016. The run to the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals won over his critics but recent results have been patchy. Record P 52 W 22 D 12 L 18 All games

Strengths

• Key man Golovin ended the season well with Monaco

• Decent performance at home World Cup in 2018 has boosted confidence

Weaknesses

• Big strikers can lead to a one-dimensional approach

• Lost last three competitive away games, conceding ten goals

Prospects

Cherchesov has named a youthful squad and recent qualifying and Nations League results have been solid if unspectacular. However, a poor defensive record suggests that third place in the group could be the limit.

Inside info

Vadim Borisov

Sport24

Russia have high hopes since two of their three games in the group stage will be played in St Petersburg. If they qualify from the group and play more than one knockout game, it’s going to be a massive success. The current roster has the right mix of youth and experience to achieve this.