Rooney Backs England for World Cup Final Glory Against Spain

The World Cup kicks off on Thursday evening, with England beginning their campaign against Croatia the following Wednesday. After facing Ghana and Panama in the group stage, the Three Lions should comfortably progress to the knockout rounds.

However, potential encounters with France, Spain, Portugal, or Argentina in the latter stages pose genuine threats to Thomas Tuchel's ambitions. Yet Wayne Rooney remains bullish about England's prospects, tipping them to replicate their European Championships run of 2024.

"England and Spain will make the final, and hopefully England will win it," the Manchester United icon declared to BBC Sport.

The former striker wasn't alone in his optimism. Joe Hart, the Manchester City legend, threw his weight behind the national team, though with characteristic pragmatism: "England. But I am not actually that bothered whether I am right or wrong. I just like to back my people and I want England to do it."

Steph Houghton tempered expectations somewhat, acknowledging the formidable threat posed by France's attacking arsenal across all areas of the pitch.

Micah Richards offered a more measured assessment, suggesting environmental factors will prove decisive. The Man City great flagged humidity as a crucial variable, potentially favouring South American sides. He instead backed Spain as the tournament's most likely winners, praising their ball retention capabilities, whilst tipping Argentina to push hard given their tactical setup around Lionel Messi.

As for England, Richards reckoned they'd need every player performing at peak levels to triumph this summer. He believes other nations currently have players in sharper form, but offered an intriguing perspective on the Three Lions' future trajectory.

"I actually think we are best placed to win the next Euros, in 2028," Richards suggested. "All our top players will be in their prime then, apart from Kane who will probably have retired."