Lineker tips Spain and France as World Cup favourites
Gary Lineker believes Spain and France should be considered the leading contenders for World Cup glory this summer, placing both nations ahead of England in his assessment, reports BritPanorama.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the former England striker acknowledged that Thomas Tuchel’s squad remains among the tournament’s main challengers. “England are definitely one of the frontrunners but I think Spain have to be favourites ahead of us, personally I think France too,” Lineker stated.
The 1986 World Cup golden boot winner praised the French squad’s depth, asserting, “France have got a hell of a squad, haven’t they? They have an amazing squad.” Spain enters the tournament as reigning European champions following their victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, while France claimed the World Cup in 2018 before finishing as runners-up in the next edition.
Lineker identified the current holders of the European title as the side other nations must surpass, remarking, “I think Spain have to be the team to beat.” He suggested Spain could repeat their past success and win consecutive tournaments due to their talented roster.
The former striker also mentioned Portugal as a potential outside contender, but noted that their chances might hinge on managing Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement. Micah Richards, the former England defender, echoed Lineker’s sentiment regarding Spain but raised concerns over the environmental conditions at the tournament. “The only slight concern for me is the climate. The climate, guys, you know what it’s like playing in that heat,” he remarked.
Richards expressed confidence in England’s players but acknowledged that athletes from Mediterranean nations might have an advantage in warm weather. “The players from Spain, Italy and France generally play in better weather and are perhaps better equipped to play in the heat,” he explained. If pressed to choose a favourite, Richards stated he would back Spain as well.
Tuchel’s side will open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17th June, with Ghana and Panama completing the Group L lineup. England are aiming for their first World Cup triumph in six decades, having come close on multiple occasions under Gareth Southgate without securing silverware. The former manager guided the Three Lions to two European Championship finals, both ending in defeat, alongside strong performances at recent World Cups.
In their most recent outing before the tournament, a heavily rotated England squad played out a 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday. Tuchel’s men face Japan in a friendly on Tuesday. As the competition approaches, the anticipation builds; questions linger not just about who will prevail, but how each team will navigate the challenges of the game under the glaring heat and pressure of the tournament stage.
