Former England striker Michael Owen has spoken on the Three Lions’ chances at the World Cup this summer.
The countdown is on for the Group L opener against Croatia next Wednesday and after wins against New Zealand and Costa Rica in friendlies over the past week, confidence is growing in the England side.
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A challenging group-stage campaign featuring Croatia, Ghana and Panama awaits the Three Lions, who are one of the favourites to win the competition alongside the likes of France and Argentina.
Despite England possessing a world class squad and a fan base who believe the side can go all the way. Owen spoke to GOAL on behalf of best online casinos in the UK about how he does not think it is England’s year.
“It has in the past and it will in the future. No doubt about it.
“I personally don’t think it will this time. But we’ve got a chance. There’s lots of teams that have got a chance. I think there are better teams than us. I think there are teams that will handle the conditions better than us. I don’t think we’re favourites by any stretch. But we are one of maybe half a dozen, maybe eight teams that could win it. We have got a chance, but I would be surprised if we won it.
“I don’t think we’re there. You look at France’s squad, for example, it’s better than ours. The individuals are better. However, in saying that, when I look at Spain’s squad, I don’t fall off my seat. However, the way they play together is incredible.
“How they won the last tournament, they play better than they are, if you know what I mean. As a group, they tend to gel better. And we’ve got to hope that we gel really well, because from an individual point of view, I think there’s a small handful of teams that are probably better.”
England are aiming to deliver the nation’s first trophy since the 1966 World Cup but if Owen is correct, they may have to wait a few more years for silverware.
