Are England contenders for the World Cup after reaching the last 16? (Picture: Getty Images)
Premier League winner Damien Duff has not been very impressed by England in Qatar and cannot see them winning the World Cup this winter.
The former Chelsea, Blackburn and Newcastle star watched the Three Lions book their place in the last 16 on Tuesday night with a 3-0 win over Wales as Group B concluded.
That meant it was two wins and a draw for Gareth Southgate’s men, confirming top spot in their group and a clash with Senegal in the first knockout round.
Despite a successful group stage, Duff is not exactly bowled over and while he expects England to make the quarter-finals, that will probably be as good as it gets and he certainly does not expect them to get their hands on the trophy.
‘If there’s one way to describe this team, which has evolved over the last few years, it’s that they’re an efficient team,’ the Irishman told RTE.
‘You’re not going to rush out and watch them. They’re very structured at times, like I said at half-time, that speed, that tempo that France or Spain have…
‘Do I look at them and think they’re a team capable of winning the World Cup? No.
‘Senegal, yes possibly, you’re getting through, but then you’re hitting one of the big hitters, France or whatever.’
He added: ‘Listen, I don’t want to be England bashing. I think Gareth Southgate’s done an absolutely wonderful job, he’s got them to two semi-finals.
Damien Duff is not particularly impressed by England (Picture: Getty Images)
‘He’s brought a real togetherness to everything that I don’t think they’ve had in the past, but listen, at the end of the day, it’s all about winning.
‘I can’t see them winning the World Cup, to be brutally honest.’
MORE : Gareth Southgate has a selection problem for England vs Senegal, says John Terry
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‘You’re not going to rush out and watch them.’
