Featured Image Credit: Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE/Alamy
Topics: England, Brazil, Football World Cup, Football, Rio Ferdinand
Adnan Riaz
Topics: England, Brazil, Football World Cup, Football, Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Brazil are the only team who can stop England at the World Cup and has backed the Three Lions to win the tournament.
England defeated both Wales and Iran and drew against the USA to finish top of Group B and secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages.
Jordan Henderson broke the deadlock for England in their last-16 tie against Senegal before Three Lions captain Harry Kane doubled their lead ahead of half-time.
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Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka buried England’s third in the second half on Sunday evening to ensure Gareth Southgate’s men reach the quarter-finals.
England will now face defending World Cup champions France in their quarter-final clash at the Al-Bayt Stadium on 10th December.
France, who are considered one of the tournament favourites, punched their place into the quarter-finals with a comfortable 3-1 win over Poland in the last 16.
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Ferdinand believes that the “only fear” for England in the France clash is coming up against Kylian Mbappe, who is leading the race for the Golden Boot at the World Cup.
The former United defender added that Brazil are the only team at the World Cup who can compete “toe to toe” with England.
Speaking on his Vibe With Five show on YouTube, Ferdinand said: “I watched France play [Poland] before the England game and I had them down as one of my favourites.
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“But they’ve got five first-team players missing, so it’s a weakened France team.
“Having watched that game, I hold zero amounts of fear for France. The only fear is Kylian Mbappe.
“They didn’t show me anything yesterday, they rely on individuals. If England can contain Mbappe, I don’t see it being a problem against France.
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“England played against the African champions [Senegal], by the way. France beat Poland, who have been so poor in this tournament.
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“England are the better team, 100 per cent. I think England are going to win the World Cup.
“The only team I think can go toe to toe with England is Brazil. They’ve got the personality and the characters to do that. They’ve got hardened European players.
“I see weaknesses all over the place in the other teams and I think England can physically dominate the other teams.”
Brazil will reach the quarter-finals if they beat South Korea on Monday, with kick-off at the Stadium 974 slated for 7pm UK time.