Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has predicted that England will go far in the 2022 World Cup but doesn't believe they will win it.
England kick-off the World Cup campaign tomorrow afternoon against Iran (1pm) at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha in the first of what they hope to be a long run in the Middle east this month. Gareth Southgate's men are fourth favourites to lift the famous trophy on December 18, according to Sky Bet, after reaching the semi-finals four years ago in Russia.
The Three Lions went a step further two years later in the European Championships when they fell to a penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy in the final. Now, England possesses an array of talent in all areas of the pitch and will have to overcome strong competition from Brazil, Argentina and France to win their first World Cup since 1966.
READ MORE: FIFA enforce World Cup ban on Harry Kane and England day before opening game vs Iran
As always, confidence is flowing around the country that football could well and truly be coming home after 56 years without success in the competition. Despite England's shocking form in June and September, many England supporters have backed Southgate's men to go all the way.
However, Wenger believes that England will come short in their attempts to win the tournament but will reach the semi-finals due to the quality within the squad. "If you look at the last few years, England should be in the semi-finals at least," he told The Sun.
"They got to the semi-finals in Russia and then the Final in the Euros. But the doubt comes from what has happened over the past year.
"If they can get over that doubt in their own minds, they have the team that is good enough to reach the semi-finals."
Wenger has backed teams that implement a high-pressing style of play to go far in Qatar and has pointed out that many of the world's best players are preparing for the final World Cup campaign of their career. "In Russia four years ago it was all about a deep defensive line and counter-attacking," he said.
"This time it will be about the high press, the teams that can play out and have that courage, or the ones who go long.
"I expect to see the teams who want the ball being the most successful.
“But this is also a last-chance tournament for the players who have dominated football for the last 15 years.
“You think about Ronaldo and Messi but there is also Neymar, Modric and Lewandowski, and some others.
“There will not be another World Cup for them. It’s now or never.
“This is that last opportunity to show the world they deserve to win it and so these big players will have pressure on their shoulders and we will see how they cope with that.”
READ MORE:
Full list of Arsenal players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup including Thomas Partey decision
Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
Full list of Tottenham players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup as Eric Dier, Rodrigo Bentancur in
England World Cup fixtures 2022: UK kick-off times and knockout dates
World Cup 2022 supercomputer reveals England chances after Gareth Southgate announces squad
