Six-Time National Team Boss And 54-cap Star Share World Cup Predictions | OneFootball

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With the World Cup now here, Stephen Constantine, the manager of no fewer than six national teams, and former 54-cap Netherlands midfielder Bolo Zenden have shared their predictions for the tournament.

This year’s tournament ushers in a new era with the debut of the expanded 48-team format, featuring 104 matches before a new world champion are crowned at MetLife Stadium in New York on 19th July.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel felt the impact of the 26-man squad limit, with several high-profile names missing out on selection, an in-depth look at those names here, as the Three Lions gear up for their opening clash against Croatia in Dallas on 17th June.

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Defending champions Argentina head into the tournament among the favourites, spearheaded by captain Lionel Messi, while runners-up France are also widely expected to be in contention deep into the competition.

Constantine, 63, was appointed head coach of Rwanda in March as the nation target qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The experienced manager boasts a wealth of international expertise, having overseen more than 186 matches across spells with several national teams, including Nepal, Malawi, and India, where he lifted two international trophies.

When asked which nations are best placed to lift the trophy, the English tactician highlighted Spain, France, England, Brazil and Argentina as the standout contenders, while also backing Morocco to mount a challenge should they reproduce their exploits from the 2022 tournament.

Constantine told Inside Futbol: “Well, I think there are five, maybe six teams that could win it.

“Spain, France, England, Brazil, Argentina, and possibly Morocco if they can repeat what they achieved in the last World Cup.”

When asked which nations could emerge as dark horses, Constantine pointed to Norway, who return to the tournament after a 28-year absence, while also tipping Ecuador to make an impact with Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo at the heart of their engine room.

He also highlighted Germany as potential outsiders given the wealth of talent at Julian Nagelsmann’s disposal, while Japan earned a mention as another side capable of exceeding expectations, with Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka among their ranks.

“My dark horses would be Norway, who were phenomenal in the qualifiers.

“Ecuador, you can never count the Germans out, and I feel Japan could make a deep run.”

England have lifted the World Cup only once, triumphing on home soil in 1966, and have experienced more heartache than glory in the competition since, with semi-final appearances in 1990 and 2018 among their closest brushes with success.

At the last tournament in Qatar, their campaign came to an end in the quarter-finals following a 2-1 defeat to France.

Nevertheless, Constantine backed the Three Lions to go all the way this summer, insisting belief will be key given the wealth of quality and creative talent spread throughout the squad.

“England have to believe that they can win it, and why not?

“I think it’s going to come down to the quality of the England squad.

“Playmakers all over the pitch.

“It’s coming home, baby, it’s coming home.”

Zenden enjoyed spells with Chelsea, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Liverpool, winning both the UEFA Super Cup and the Community Shield during his time at Anfield, and reaching a Champions League final.

The Dutchman also earned 54 caps for the Netherlands and featured four times at the 1998 World Cup, scoring against Croatia in a 2-1 defeat in the third-place playoff.

The former midfielder also cast his eye over this summer’s showpiece event, revealing his favourites for the title, his pick for a surprise package, and how he rates Oranje’s prospects.

On who are his favourites, Zenden told Inside Futbol: “France.”

He was also clear on his dark horses, saying: “Morocco.”

Zenden though is not tipping the Netherlands to win the competition, seeing the Oranje reaching the ⁠”quarter final” in North America.

Now all eyes are on what will unfold in North America, with the world watching.