Former France manager rubbishes England’s chances of World Cup glory | OneFootball

England head into this summer’s FIFA World Cup, considered by many as one of the favourites to win the tournament. However, one former France manager disagrees. 

The Three Lions have reached the final of consecutive European Championships. Their journey in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar came to an end at the hands of Les Bleus at the quarter-final stage, and during the 2018 edition of the competition, won by France, England reached the semi-finals. 

Under Gareth Southgate, England were a team that went deep into major tournaments, and expectations still remain high under new manager Thomas Tuchel. However, Raymond Domenech does not believe that Tuchel’s side should be considered one of the teams capable of winning this summer’s tournament, set to be held in North America.

Domenech on France: ‘We haven’t beaten solid teams.’

“There are about 10 teams that can compete to become World Champion,” Domenech told L’Équipe. When questioned on that figure, he responded, “Depending on the circumstances, yes, but not the English, we all agree on that don’t we? They have such a ‘loser’ image, no one takes them seriously any more. It’s terrible.”

Not that he is necessarily that upbeat about Les Bleus’ chances either, despite two good performances (a 2-1 win over Brazil and a 3-1 win over Colombia) during the recent international break. “How have we impressed the world? Because of friendlies against Brazil, who have a rubbish team… you have to put things in perspective. We haven’t beaten solid teams. Colombia offered nothing. I have rarely seen such a poor Colombia team,” he added.

Domenech managed France between 2004 and 2010. Despite leading Les Bleus to the final in 2006 (before an eventual defeat to Italy), his reign came to an end in spectacular circumstances amid a mutiny at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Les Bleus exited at the group stage.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle