Lineker Backs Spain and France as World Cup Favourites Over England

With the World Cup now on the horizon, Gary Lineker has outlined his thinking on which nations have the best chance of going all the way—and it's not necessarily the Three Lions.

England arrive at this summer's tournament as genuine contenders, buoyed by exceptional attacking talent and Thomas Tuchel's wealth of options in the final third. Yet defensive vulnerabilities remain a lingering concern, and Lineker reckons two other sides hold stronger claims to the crown.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker laid out his case for Spain and France as the standout favourites. "Spain are actually the bookies' favourites, closely followed by England, France, Argentina and Brazil," he explained. "I think they're the big five."

The former England striker believes La Roja have the calibre to replicate their success from a decade ago, when they won back-to-back tournaments. "I think Spain have to be the team to beat," Lineker said. "France have got a hell of a squad—an amazing squad—but I'm going with Spain."

Lineker also tipped Portugal as a worthwhile outside bet, though he acknowledged the complications surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's involvement. "They will have to control the narrative around Ronaldo and manage his minutes and see if he accepts that," he noted. Argentina and Brazil shouldn't be discounted either, he suggested.

Yet when it comes to England's prospects, Lineker struck a measured tone. While the team has "progressed sufficiently" in recent tournaments to harbour genuine ambitions, he admitted it's been some time since anyone seriously predicted an England triumph. "Spain have to be favourites ahead of us, personally I think France too," he concluded.

Micah Richards, Lineker's podcast co-host, largely agreed with the assessment but pinpointed a specific worry. "The only slight concern for me is the climate," Richards said. "The players from Spain, Italy and France generally play in better weather and are perhaps better equipped to play in the heat."

Richards nonetheless backed England's talent pool but ultimately sided with Spain as his pick to lift the trophy.