The FIFA World Cup kicks off in three days time when hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia in the first Group Stage encounter of the tournament.
And before the curtain raiser, former England striker Michael Owen gave his predictions on which one out of the 32 teams has the best chance of winning the World Cup.
Talking to the Daily Mail, Owen put his money on Brazil to lift their first World Cup since 2002. The former England man feels that Brazil will be unfazed with their disappointing outing four years ago.
“They’ve two brilliant goalkeepers, they’ve got defenders and they have that array of attacking talent with Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho,” Owen said.
“France obviously have a lot of good players but I’m a bit sceptical about them in tournaments.
“Spain and Germany I also like, but Brazil would be my idea of the strongest team.”
While Michael Owen does not feel that England will make it all the way to the finals but hopes that Gareth Southgate’s side can atleast make it to the quarter-finals.
“We’ve been blessed with the draw and, if we don’t get into the quarter-finals, I think there will be big questions asked,” Owen added.
“But I do like our manager, I like our system and we have a couple of match winners in there.
“We’re going to play someone decent in the quarters and if we get beat, then I suppose everyone will say well that’s about par. And I think that’s probably what will happen.”
Brazil play their first game of the Group stage against Switzerland on Sunday while England open their campaign the following day when they take on Tunisia.
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