Michael Owen is not optimistic about England's chances of winning the 2026 World Cup in the USA because of the "horrible" heat conditions, stating there are teams superior to Thomas Tuchel's side.
They won't claim the title, he asserts (Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
Michael Owen has pointed to the "horrible" factor behind his pessimistic view of England's World Cup hopes. The 1998 World Cup star is concerned that the oppressive heat in the USA, where they are set to play Croatia in Dallas, Ghana in Boston and Panama in New Jersey, will hinder Thomas Tuchel's team.
Given the intense heat, immense pressure, and the quality of rival World Cup contenders, Owen confesses he is not confident about England's ability to end a 60-year wait since their only World Cup victory.
"Look, we obviously have the potential to win it, we have a strong team. But I don't think we're good enough, I believe there are teams that are stronger than us," said Owen, an ambassador for Casino.org, a platform aimed at making the discovery of Irish online casino sites easier and safer.
Michael Owen knows what it takes to not win a World Cup (Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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"When I look at France's team, I think they are significantly better than us," reports Belfast Live. "Then I consider the conditions and believe we are probably the least suited nation to play in that kind of heat. Other teams will also be affected, but they don't face the same pressure to possess the ball and press.
"We are a very good team, but there are two or three superior ones. France's squad is far better in my view. If you're not the best team and you're also out of your comfort zone regarding conditions, then you have two factors working against you.
"The issue is also that we are expected to dominate possession. From an English perspective, playing counter-attacking football, which would likely suit us best, wouldn't be acceptable. So I just think the conditions won't be favorable, and there are one or two better teams. So we might reach the semis or quarters, but I can't foresee us winning."
Owen reflected on his own experiences of playing in World Cup matches under grueling conditions. While he made his breakthrough in France in 1998, he also excelled at the 2002 World Cup when England were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Brazil.
Owen scored the opening goal in that match, but goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldinho either side of halftime propelled the eventual champions into the semi-finals. When asked about his most sweltering match experience, he replied: "The Japan World Cup, quarter-final against Brazil. We also played Nigeria in the group stage and it was unbearable. But the Japan World Cup was tough."
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So how will Tuchel's team manage the fixtures? "Certain players handle the heat much better than others. Obviously, there will be water breaks, which will help us. But it's not like you can switch off the sun," Owen said.
"It's simply going to be scorching hot, and I don't think we'll handle it well, especially when we're expected to take the initiative and expend energy constantly. That would be my main concern. But what can you do? You run around, you can't wait until halftime to recharge, and if someone goes down, you dash to the sideline to grab a drink.
"It's horrible. It's not pleasant. There's nothing you can do about it. But we didn't have drinks breaks like they're having in this tournament, so that will assist. However, if you have a drink and start playing again, within three or four minutes you're desperate for another. A drinks break won't solve all our issues. You probably need a drink every four, five, or six minutes in that heat. So it will still be challenging for them."