Patrice Evra wants England to be a “surprise” package at the World Cup after revealing he was “devastated” at their Euro 2020 final defeat.
The Three Lions will be aiming to go one further at this year’s World Cup in Qatar after Gareth Southgate led them to a semi-final against Croatia in 2018.
England also reached the final of the 2020 European Championship but lost to Italy on penalties in a tight final at Wembley Stadium.
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Speaking to Betfair, Evra has discussed his tips to do well at the World Cup this winter, he said: “Again, the World Cup is difficult to predict who is going to win. Of course, France are going to be the favourites, they won the last one. But everything can happen.
“The French squad is the best in the world, but sometimes when you look too good you only have to look at what happened during the Euros against Switzerland. We were winning 2-0, started dancing, thinking the game was finished and we lost on penalties. Everything can happen.
“Argentina looks good. I think Messi is dying to win the World Cup with his country to make sure people respect him the same way they respect Maradona.
“There are a lot of big nations like Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands that can do well. There are also a lot of countries like Croatia that can create a surprise. So, it’s difficult to say who is going to win.
“It’s a weird moment, what about the players playing in their league where they have to give everything, you have to count the injuries, playing in Qatar, will it be too hot? I know there are many facilities to make sure the players aren’t feeling the heat, but it’s going to be tough. The details will be important.”
England will be amongst the favourites for the tournament again and Evra added: “I haven’t mentioned England on purpose, when you mention England they always get under pressure.
“They always have good qualification games, they get top of their group but as soon as the tournament starts the press are on them and they feel that.
“That’s why I didn’t mention them because I want England to be the surprise. But of course, England can win the World Cup, but I just don’t want to mention them.
“It was heartbreak for them to lose the Euro’s final to Italy on penalties. To see the fans celebrating in the streets was amazing. I’m not English, but I’m always supporting England. I was…
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