Which World Cup favourite is most likely to flop?

The pressure of competing at the World Cup has proven to be too great for even the most talented teams to overcome in years past.

All 32 teams enter the tournament with a point to prove, but only a select few of the world's elite can realistically dream of a World Cup journey that will last well beyond the group stage.

However, the first phase of the tournament has a history of producing some of the biggest shocks. If the poor performances from France in 2002 and Spain in 2014 are any indication, there's a good chance the 2018 World Cup could include yet another upset for the ages.

Here's a collection, in descending order to most surprising, of the biggest teams most likely to fall flat on their faces in Russia:

England

Hopes are traditionally high for an England side with the weight of a nation desperate to end more than half a century without silverware.

Although Gareth Southgate's high-scoring team believes this will be the year, the odds are stacked against the club after leaving empty-handed from every international tournament in the decades that followed England's World Cup win on home soil in 1966.

On the heels of an embarrassing upset against Iceland, countries such as Tunisia and Panama will like their chances against an England team that doesn't have the right to take anyone lightly.

Although the midfield and attack provide a glimmer of hope, defensive frailties could be the team's Achilles heel, with an early exit likely to trigger yet another wave of criticism.

Portugal

The confidence gained from an unlikely triumph at Euro 2016 has boosted Portugal's belief of capturing the ultimate prize at the World Cup.

But time is running out for an aging side that could be on the brink of entering its final tournament with Cristiano Ronaldo in the prime of his illustrious career.

Although over-reliance on Ronaldo has been historically efficient, it could result in a massive dip once the five-time Ballon d'Or winner calls it quits.

A true test of Portugal's growth since lifting the European trophy will come in its opening match against Spain, an encounter that could very well determine which one of the countries will finish top of the group. It won't be the end of the world if Portugal falters, but a second-place finish in the group phase could set the stage for a rematch of the Euro 2016 final if France lives up to expectations.

Argentina

Despite reaching the final in Brazil, Argentina isn't being given much of a chance for a repeat performance.

Led by Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and Angel Di Maria, the team is loaded with stars. Yet, an inability to exploit the current crop of talent, along with the unexpected dip in form following manager Tata Martino's departure in 2016, has resulted in a series of lackluster performances that almost cost Argentina a place in the World Cup.

A dodgy qualifying campaign hung in the balance until Messi came to the rescue, as the Barcelona star almost single-handedly secured a spot in Russia with a hat-trick in their final match against Ecuador.

Meeting Messi's high standards on the pitch is an unrealistic demand. Argentina's most realistic path to an extended stay in Russia will be through a solid performance at the back similar to the impenetrable unit that produced four clean sheets - three of which occurred in the knockout rounds - en route to the final in Brazil.

Belgium

The wealth of talent is the envy of the world, but Belgium doesn't have a track record of success with the current golden generation.

Belgium's collection of stars would rival any of the world's elite football powerhouses. Yet, performances in the World Cup and Euros have ended in disappointment after Belgium's inability to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

The pressure is ultimately on manager Roberto Martinez, whose task is almost impossible for a nation without a clear definition of what will be considered a successful World Cup campaign.

Finding the right mix to get the most out of a team comprised of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and more is another monumental undertaking that has yet to meet the nation's immense expectations in major tournaments.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)