Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit thinks there are “too many questions around players” for England or France to win the World Cup this year.
The World Cup starts on Sunday at 4pm when Qatar face Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament with Brazil, Argentina, France and England the four favourites to win with the bookmakers.
However, both England and France have been hit by injury issues and other concerns about their squad and World Cup-winner Petit reckons Brazil will win the competition.
Petit told CasinoEnLigne.ca: “For the last 20 years a European country has won the World Cup, because it’s been 20 years since Brazil won it. So there’s big pressure on Brazil.
“This is the first time in modern history we’ve seen a World Cup midway through a season, it’s something I’ve never experienced before. But I would put Brazil as favourites. There will always be European countries who are title contenders as usual, but there are so many players missing for them.
“It’s been a long time since a South American country won the World Cup, and Europe has been dominating for so long so I feel the balance is now with them. The motivation will be different, especially with top players like Neymar.”
On England and France, Petit added: “For France, when you are a favourite, they hold the trophy and no one in modern history has won it back-to-back. They are also missing important players, especially in the midfield area. Most of the time you control a game in the midfield area.
“N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba were brilliant in Russia, but they are injured and we have questions surrounding other players too. Karim Benzema also has an injury, and these players are the leaders of the team as well. It’s not the best way to prepare for a World Cup, and I’m sure for Didier Deschamps this is the first time he’s facing so many challenges.
“England are also struggling with injuries as well, especially in defence, and there are many questions facing players. They reached the semi final of the last World Cup, then got to the Euros final, they’re always there. But they are missing something to reach the final and lift the trophy, even though they are contenders. Just like France, there are too many questions around players.
“Reece James and Kyle Walker are two players injured, and you look at the centre-backs and ask if they’re going to play with Harry Maguire. He hasn’t been playing and his confidence is low. I’m convinced…
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