“England a favourite for the World Cup… in 2022” – Matthäus
Bundesliga legend and former World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthäus thinks that England could cause some surprises in Russia, but that the tournament comes too soon for Three Lions to dethrone Germany as world champions.
England punched their ticket for the 2018 edition – like Die Mannschaft – without tasting defeat in their UEFA qualification group. Gareth Southgate has since named a youthful squad with Ashley Young, Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill the only players who have already seen their 30th birthdays, but Matthäus thinks England’s relative lack of experience will count against them this time.
England moved up a place to 12th in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on 7 June, but that still leaves them some way behind top dogs Germany. English youngsters won the U20 and U17 World Cups over the last year, either side of sealing the European U19 title, but with Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook the only player involved in those successes now in contention – and at that only on the standby list – Matthäus thinks 2022 glory is a more realistic aim.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
“Looking forward I think England have a good chance in Qatar in 2022,” he said. “But for now I just see them as outsiders. They can only surprise but I don’t see them as a favourite.”
If Germany win Group F in Russia with England second in Group G – as FIFA rankings would predict – the sides could meet in the quarter-finals. If both win their groups, the showpiece in Moscow on 15 July is the soonest they could face off. Matthäus is more concerned about running into other nations in 2018, though.
“It’s a tough World Cup, it’s a big tournament, a long tournament and little things can make the difference. But Germany, I think, for sure, are ready to win again!”
Click here for more from Matthäus on Germany's World Cup chances!