Ross Kemp’s World Cup Willie is going to help England win the 2022 tournament, he says (Picture: Getty Images)
Ross Kemp has a unique plan to help England win the 2022 World Cup – by whipping out his World Cup Willie.
The EastEnders icon and acclaimed documentary maker is renowned for being footie mad, often sharing his dramatic reactions to match results on Twitter with his huge following.
Now, with the World Cup in full swing and England in the quarter-finals, filmmaker and environmental activist Ross is making his plans for if the team reach the finals.
Should Gareth Southgate’s team beat France on Saturday, and get through the subsequent semis, Ross is confident his lucky charm will help the team be crowned the 2022 World Cup champions.
He revealed his rosette of World Cup Willie, the cartoon lion mascot of the 1966 World Cup, which England won on home soil, is the key to the team lifting the famous golden trophy for a second time.
Speaking to Bang Showbiz, he said he was ‘optimistic’ about England’s chances against France on Saturday as ‘every dog has its day and maybe a lion has three and that’s what we need to become world champions.’
England last won a World Cup in 1966 – 56 years ago (Picture: Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Sports-mad Ross was two years old the last time England won – and he still as his rosette (Picture: Lyfecyle)
Reflecting on the last time England won, he went on: ‘I was two years old in 1966, so I don’t remember that very well.
‘I have still got my World Cup Willie rosette, but I’m not going to get that out until we get to the final… I’m saving it for the final.’
Ross’ joy over England’s chances comes after he reflected on the controversy of it being held in Qatar, telling Metro.co.uk in a recent interview it shouldn’t have been awarded but Fifa were the ones to blame.
World Cup Willie was the mascot of the World Cup, and may still hold the key to an England win (Picture: Getty Images)
Southgate’s squad are through to the quarter-finals of the 2022 tournament, with a match against France the next test (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I personally don’t think the World Cup should have been played there. But it’s too late,’ he said.
‘I also sadly have to respect… when I’m working in a country and it’s a dry country I don’t drink. It doesn’t mean I agree in any way shape or form with the persecution of the LGBTQ+ community at all, I do not.
‘But I think Fifa are the people to blame. They’re the ones who arranged this.
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‘I say Fifa have to look hard in the mirror about why they chose [Qatar] for lots of reasons.
‘Not only for the human rights issue but also the issue of changing the entire football schedule around the world.’
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‘I’m saving it for the final!’
