What the average ages of international football's best tell us
Findings released by Raffaele Poli, Loic Ravenel, and Roger Besson of CIES have identified the average ages of the top 50 international squads fielded across 2015:
(Courtesy: CIES)
Running the gamut - between fledglings Nigeria and the veteran Scots - there's a difference of almost 4 1/2 years.
Here are the highlights of the figures released by the Football Observatory:
Europe
The fortunes of the two youngest European teams - England and the Netherlands (with average ages of 25.6) - could not differ more.
Roy Hodgson guided the Three Lions to 10 wins in 10 matches in their Euro 2016 qualification campaign, with talented youngsters such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Raheem Sterling becoming regular members of the starting XI over that 13-month period. With the powers or international careers of the oft-titled yet ultimately disappointing "Golden Generation" of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and co. waning, it seems there's a bright new England era blooming.
The Netherlands is almost the antithesis of that situation. Although there's youthful talent in the polarising Memphis Depay, much of the younger ranks are still plying their trade in the Eredivisie - not possessing the ability to jump into one of the continent's more competitive leagues. Meanwhile, the squad's older contingent - the likes of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - have faded dramatically. In 2015, the Dutch fell short of Czech Republic, Iceland, and Turkey and failed to qualify for the Euro 2016 finals.
At the other end of the spectrum, Scotland's average age of 29 could be looked at positively. A drab generation could be set to bow out, while a fresh era headlined by Sporting Lisbon's Ryan Gauld, who began his career at Dundee United, could be set to take over.
Africa
Nigeria could hold the hopes of a continent as its most likely country to bring the World Cup to Africa. Youngsters such as Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal's alleged targets Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze have shone in recent youth tournaments, and are now starting to make forays in the senior team.
Some recognisable names do highlight Sunday Oliseh's squad, such as CSKA Moscow menace Ahmed Musa, Watford striker Odion Ighalo, and Chelsea's John Obi Mikel, but most have only recently left their teenage years.
At an average age of 24.7, Nigeria could surprise many at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Americas
Argentina, Brazil, and Chile's significant average ages suggest Russia 2018 could be the final opportunity for football's greatest prize for a legion of superstars.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who on Monday admitted a World Cup triumph would trump his five Ballon d'Ors, is capable of making the 2022 tournament in Qatar, but at 34 his incredible talents would be in decline. For Messi, along with plenty of his international teammates, Brazil's Fernandinho and Chile's Arturo Vidal, the chief target lies in Russia.
Asia
Currently rated Asia's finest in the FIFA World rankings (43rd) and one of the toughest places to play in world football, Iran's average age of 27.5 is, well, average.
The team's bigger stars, Karim Ansarifand and Reza Ghoochannejhad, are also pretty average.
Asia still appears to be some way off from having a country make a serious push for World Cup honours.