England could be considered “the biggest favorite” of the 2022 World Cup, according to former Three Lions boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Gareth Southgate’s side have reached Russia’s 2018 semi-finals, which is in line with England’s World Cup bid since they won at home in 1966.
England have been in the finals of a major tournament since 1966 when they faced Italy in the Euro 2020 last year but lost on penalties.
Eriksson led England to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals of each tournament respectively, and reaching the last 8 at Euro 2004.
Beaten by Brazil in 2002, and Portugal in the next two tournaments, Eriksson was unable to lead England’s ‘golden generation’ to success.
But the Swede believes the Southgate team has earned the right to be considered one of the favorite players – and, indeed, the best – to win in Qatar later this year.
Eriksson told Stats Perform: “I think they are one of the biggest teams to win, and they are probably the biggest favorite.
“I’m not sure how strong Brazil and Argentina are at the moment, but in Europe, Italy [none]. Spain, I don’t think they’re ready to beat it either. Germany, you never know they can beat it.
Eriksson believes England should easily progress from Group B, where they are drawn against Iran, the United States, and one of Ukraine, Scotland, or Wales.
“A team with England, Iran, the United States and then Ukraine Scotland or Wales. I mean, it’s always hard at the World Cup, but I don’t see them winning that group,” Eriksson said.
“That is impossible. They will easily overcome it. And then it always goes, who you meet in the next round, and then if you win there you go to the quarter-finals.
“So, little luck there and no injuries, key players and more and England can do it.”
