Former Manchester United legendary defender Rio Ferdinand has named ‘England’ as his choice of winner in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022. England will be locking horns with France in the quarter-final. It will be a tough assignment for the Three Lions as France is the defending champions.
Rio Ferdinand has put his faith in Gareth Southgate’s England side to lift the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also believes that Brazil is the only team that can stop the England juggernaut.
“I watched France play [Poland] before the England game and I had them down as one of my favorites,” Rio Ferdinand told the FIVE YouTube channel.
“But they’ve got five first-team players missing so it’s a weakened France team. Having watched that game, I hold zero amounts of fear for France. The only fear is Kylian Mbappe. They didn’t show me anything yesterday, they rely on individuals. If England can contain Mbappe, I don’t see it being a problem against France,” he added.
“England played against the African champions [Senegal] by the way. France beat Poland, who have been so poor in this tournament. England is the better team, 100%. I think England is going to win the World Cup,” Rio Ferdinand said.
England had outclassed an off-color Senegal in their Round of 16 games. Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka netted the goals for the Three Lions. On the other hand, France got the better of Poland in their Round of 16 games. Kylian Mbappe netted a brace and Oliver Giroud scored the other goal.
With that goal, Oliver Giroud became France’s all-time leading goal-scorer in the FIFA World Cup. It was a humongous feat for the French footballer.
Rio Ferdinand played for the Red Devils between 2002 and 2014 and featured in 312 games. He also played for the England national football team in 81 games. Ferdinand is regarded as one of the best center-backs of all time.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Quarter Finals: When & Where To Watch Live Streaming In India, Teams, Schedule
