Fabio Capello believes England have a good chance of winning the World Cup because it takes place later in the year.
The tournament in Qatar is scheduled to start on November 21 and end on December 18, making it the first World Cup not to be held in May, June or July. The competition usually takes place at the end of the traditional European campaign.
The Three Lions are desperate to end their 56-year wait for a major trophy. They are regarded as one of the favourites to win the World Cup and former boss Capello thinks they'll do well because the tournament is being played during the middle of the season as opposed to during the hotter summer months, when players are tired from the campaign just gone.
England are tipped to be successful in Qatar after improving under Gareth Southgate. They reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018, finished third in the Nations League in 2019 and reached the final of Euro 2020 last summer, losing to Italy on penalties.
"I like English football," Capello told The Sun. "I watch all the games in the Premier League. I prefer it. The problem sometimes is that English players arrive tired at the end of the season. Did you see Liverpool? [in their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid ].
"It was their 63rd match. They weren't fresh. They played well but weren’t as fast as they usually play. This time the World Cup will be in November and December.
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"As England manager, I always said that you can play September, October, November against all the teams in the world - we are fresh, we are running, the mind is clear and clean. The next World Cup for England is really, really good. I really think so.
"It has arrived at the best moment for English football and English players. They will be fresh. Not after 63 games, like Liverpool."
Capello is regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time after winning five Serie A titles, the Champions League and other trophies. He was in charge of England between December 2007 and February 2012 but failed to deliver success, suffering a 4-1 knockout defeat to Germany at the World Cup in 2010 - his only major tournament in charge.
England's loss to Germany is remembered for Frank Lampard's infamous first-half strike. With the score 2-1 to Germany, the midfielder's effort crossed the line but a goal was not given. Goal technology was introduced ahead of the next World Cup in 2014.
"I have [the memory] here," added Capello. "It stays here. It’s painful. I’m disappointed for that game we played against Germany, the Lampard 'goal'. The referee missed this 'goal', the linesman was worse. They put on Goal-line Technology after this.
"Apart from that, I only have good memories of my time with England. When I come back to London, all the people there are really nice with me. The respect from the fans is really important."
