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Former England star Joe Cole says he 'doesn't fancy' Spain's chances at the World Cup and predicts the European champions will 'limp out'.
Spain will ‘limp out’ of this summer’s World Cup, predicts ex-England international Joe Cole Former England star Joe Cole says he ‘just doesn’t fancy’ Spain’s chances at the World Cup and predicts the European champions will ‘limp out’ of the tournament.
Luis de la Fuente’s men cruised through qualifying to secure their place at this summer’s spectacle, finishing top of their group with an impressive undefeated record – winning five and drawing just one of their six contests. Sixteen years on from their one and only World Cup triumph, Spain find themselves in Group H as the overwhelming favourites to come out on top above Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Spurred on by their success at Euro 2024, La Roja boast many of the most exciting talents on the globe and will no doubt be confident of reaching the latter stages. Get everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.
However, there remain doubts over the fitness of superstar forward Lamine Yamal – who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury – and De la Fuente will be praying for the 18-year-old sensation to make a speedy return to action. Rodri and Co kick off their campaign against Cape Verde at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium next Monday evening.
Yamal is a doubt for Spain’s opening group-stage clash with Cape Verde ‘They’re not a flash in the pan, that’s unfair because they’ve got top players. Cole believes Portugal have a big opportunity to go far in the tournament, with Roberto Martinez boasting a wealth of extraordinary talent in midfield and attack.
However, the former Three Lions attacker thinks their success – or otherwise – may depend on Cristiano Ronaldo’s willingness to take a backseat rather than playing ‘every minute of every game’.
‘My thinking is… Vitinha, Nuno Mendes at left-back, obviously Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, so the midfield is solid, I think the midfield is the best midfield in the tournament. ‘The crucial thing for me is if Ronaldo can humble himself and realise he doesn’t need to play every minute of every game. As you get older you’ve got to understand your value.
In a previous interview with PA, Cole urged England fans to get over the ‘furore’ surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection and named the Three Lions as one of 12 nations capable of lifting the trophy next month. Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.
‘We’ve had our furore about the squad, nobody would have picked the same 26 players, and everyone’s got an opinion,’ he said. World Cup 2026 wallchart: Download your free printable copy ahead of the big kick-offReferee responds to being barred from World Cup due to Trump's immigration crackdown ‘I think it’s just a case of let’s not keep talking about the players that are not there, let’s keep talking about the players that are there, and the players that are going to help us win, because we’ve got so many matchwinners.
‘I think Thomas has got a style of play, and he’s picked a certain type of player who could fit that style. ‘So we know how we’re going to play and we know we’ve got the players who can perform that role, and it’s just going to be how well they can execute the plan. And can we get our best players flying?
Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day. Chris DavieArsenal in talks to sell £27m title winner as Newcastle consider moveMystery Escape
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