Former Real Madrid and Liverpool striker, Michael Owen, has expressed doubt that England can win the 2026 World Cup.
Owen claimed the Three Lions, which are now coached by Thomas Tuchel, will struggle amid age concerns and climate worries.
In a chat with 247Bet, he questioned whether several senior figures, including Harry Kane, may not too old by next summer.
“Star players such as Kane are getting older — he’s not going to be getting any better while world-class players such as Kyle Walker will no longer be there,” Owen said.
“Even players like Foden are not at the top of their game compared to what they were a year or two ago. Defensively, I worry too. We used to have a lot of good defenders.
“Now I’m thinking who’s going to play left-back? Who’s going to play centre-half? John Stones isn’t getting any younger.
“I think we were probably better a year or two ago. But a lot changes in football. It might turn into a big year for us, but no, I wouldn’t be confident about us winning the World Cup at this stage.
“We’re knocking on the door – finals, semi-finals – we’re a top footballing nation, but I think other nations may be better suited to the conditions this time.”