Rio Ferdinand issues new World Cup winner prediction ahead of England vs Argentina semi-final | OneFootball

Former Three Lions captain is impressed by what he has seen from three of the four semi-finalists

Rio Ferdinand has changed his World Cup winners prediction after watching England set a semi-final date with Argentina.

The Three Lions have joined France, Spain and Argentina in the last four after edging past Norway 2-1 to reach the World Cup semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history.

Jude Bellingham once again played a decisive role as the Three Lions kept alive hopes of ending their long wait for a second world crown, scoring twice for the second game running.

France were the first side to secure their place in the semi-finals with victory over Morocco as Didier Deschamps' team continued their pursuit of a third World Cup triumph.

England team serenaded by fans after beating Norway

AFP/Getty

They will face Spain, who progressed thanks to another late winner from Mikel Merino to eliminate Belgium.

Argentina completed the semi-final line-up with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland. The Swiss played with 10 men for almost an hour after Breel Embolo was sent off, allowing the defending champions to seal their place in the final four.

Former England defender Ferdinand had initially tipped France to lift the trophy before the tournament, but, as the knockout stages progressed, he switched his prediction to Spain.

When the chips are down and things aren't going well, England are working things out

Rio Ferdinand

Now, with England through to the semi-finals, Ferdinand believes Thomas Tuchel’s side have shown the resilience needed to win the tournament.

Ferdinand was asked on his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast if he believe England have what it takes to win the World Cup. He said: "I think we do.

"When the chips are down and things aren't going well, England are working things out. It's like a jigsaw puzzle and we're showing we're able to find the right piece at the right time.

"I think that's one of the things we have over the others. Argentina have managed to do that a couple of times but they've looked closer to going out than we have."