UMVA has learned that former England captain Wayne Rooney rates his nation as one of the three favorites to lift the World Cup trophy.
Rooney, a legend of both Manchester United and the Three Lions, says England sits alongside France and Spain in the race for glory, recalling the heartbreak of recent finals and near‑misses under Sir Gareth Southgate.
Southgate’s tenure delivered back‑to‑back European Championship finals – a penalty loss to Italy in 2021 and a narrow defeat to Spain in 2024 – as well as a semi‑final run in 2018 and a quarter‑final exit at the last World Cup.
Now, under new boss Thomas Tuchel, many pundits predict England will finally break the 60‑year drought and claim the coveted trophy on American soil.
Rooney insists that while England is a strong contender, France’s recent World Cup final appearance and Spain’s reign as European champions make the competition fierce.
“I think you have to look at Spain, France and England,” he told a broadcaster. “I think they’re probably favorites for this World Cup. I think England and Spain will make the final, and hopefully England win it.”
Former defender Conor Coady echoed the optimism, praising England’s striking talent and claiming the team possesses the bite needed to intimidate rivals.
“We have the best striker in the world, in my opinion, a player of his calibre with the confidence he has and the bite to win something with England is a scary thought for other countries,” Coady said.
He added that Germany, led by Julian Nagelsmann, remains a threat, while Senegal’s recent performances could make them the tournament’s dark horse.
Contrasting views came from former Arsenal and Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud, who believes France and Spain are the two strongest sides, leaving room for an African surprise such as Ivory Coast, Senegal or Ghana.
England opens the competition against Croatia, followed by group clashes with Ghana and Panama, while defending champions Argentina seek to repeat their penalty‑driven triumph.
