Motherwell star Matt Penney reckons England's "phenomenal individuals" have what it takes to lift the World Cup in Qatar.
The 24-year-old, who hails from Chesterfield, is on loan at Fir Park from English League One side Ipswich Town and he will be cheering on his national side during the Scottish Premiership's shutdown for the global showpiece.
England are in Doha to kick-off their bid for glory this afternoon against Iran in Group B.
Following a run to the final of Euro 2020, where they lost on penalties to Italy, hopes will be high for another successful tournament.
And Motherwell's left-back believes his country has the talent within the squad to lift the World Cup for the first time since 1966, with the likes of Tottenham's prolific striker Harry Kane and Manchester City's £100m man Jack Grealish among Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad.
Penney said: "Us English folk are always optimistic and always think we can win it.
"I'm going to say we can win it, but whether we do it or not we'll see.
"Hopefully, the Three Lions can do the business in the World Cup.
"The individuals in that team are phenomenal so, for me, there is no reason why they can't go the full distance.
"Hopefully we do and if we do, I'll be cheering them on."
After today's clash with Iran, the Three Lions face USA on Friday and close out the group with a battle of Britain against a Wales side boasting the likes of former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and ex-Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsay.
It's a huge game for the watching public, but Penney is confident his countrymen will come out on top in that clash.
He added: "England v Wales isn't a big one, we'll do the business against the Welsh.
"I'll be watching a few of the games during the break and I'm looking forward to it."
Closer to home, it has been a season of frustration so far for Penney's Motherwell side.
The Steelmen are ninth in the Premiership and their final match before the World Cup break ended in a 1-1 draw at St Johnstone.
Action resumes on December 17 when they host St Mirren and Penney says players will be giving their all during the mini pre-season to come out firing on their return.
He added: "Results so far have been very frustrating. As a group I feel we've put in some very good performances but not got what we deserve out of it.
"We've played worse than we did against St Johnstone and won games, and played better and lost.
"Football is judged on points, not performances, so it is about building on the point at St Johnstone and really kicking on after the break.
"The fixtures we have had, up until now, have been tough.
"So hopefully we can do better in the second half of the season.
"The next few weeks will be about hard work. A quick refresh then back on the training pitch.
"We've got a lot of work to do to make sure we get points on the board in the second half of the season."
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