There has never been an iota of doubt regarding the potency of the England squad over the years. The likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Steven Gerard, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen, and Wayne Rooney made a potent team in the 2000s but they were unable to go all the way in the major events.
However, things have changed for good in the last few years. The Three Lions had made it to the semifinal of the previous edition of the FIFA World Cup and then qualified for the final of the Euro 2020 but could not cross the final hurdle against Italy.
Meanwhile, West Ham midfielder Declan Rice believes they have the right squad, which can go all the way in the FIFA World Cup. Rice is also going to play a key role in the team’s success if they are to win their first World Cup since 1966.
“With the squad we’ve got, and the players coming through, we have to aim to win the World Cup,” Rice told GOAL during his appearance on Box 2 Box.
“Obviously, we were so close in the summer, but as an England fan as well as a player, some of the players we’ve got in the squad now are scary how good they are. There’s ones coming through as well that obviously want the shirt and are excellent players.
“So I feel like we’re in a good place, but that will only be realised if we go and win something major for the country.” “I feel like if we went and won in Qatar, wow, it would be the first one since 1966, so it would be massive, and I feel like no-one expects England to do it,” he added.
“So us as players, our minds are in the right place, and I feel like every time we go to a tournament now, Gareth has changed that mindset with players in terms of believing we can win it.”
Meanwhile, England came very close to lifting Euro but could not go past Italy at the Wembley Stadium last year. Rice had played a key role in taking England to the finale of the tournament. The defensive midfielder also received Toni Kroos’ jersey after the final.
“I had this feeling with the Euros,” he explained. “Obviously, you can’t think too far ahead, but when we got to the final, it was always what-ifs: ‘What if we win? What’s it going to be like?’. I feel to this day, I would still be milking it! “Toni Kroos- he retired after the Euros – and I got his last ever Germany shirt. Somewhere in Germany, they want that in a museum, and I’ve got it at home!”
England is drawn into Group B along with Iran, USA and Wales. The Three Lions will begin their campaign against the USA on November 26.
