World Cup 2022: Rio Ferdinand Names the Only Team That Can Stop England from Winning the Tournament

World Cup 2022: Rio Ferdinand Names the Only Team That Can Stop England from Winning the Tournament

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:19 PM
In this article:
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  • Legendary Premier League defender Rio Ferdinand has backed England to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
  • England have been impressive so far in the competition, with the Gareth Southgate-tutored side comfortably in the quarters
  • The Three Lions finished top of Group B before setting up a mouthwatering clash against Senegal in the round of 16
  • The 1966 World Cup winners hammered the Lions of Teranga 3-0 to book a date with holders France in the last eight

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed there is only one team that can stop England from winning the 2022 edition of the World Cup.

The Three Lions are desperate to end their long wait for the trophy, having won it last in 1966.

Gareth Southgate's charges are already into the quarter-finals of the Qatar edition of the tournament, with the side booking a spot in the last eight after seeing off Senegal in the round of 16.

England, World Cup, Qatar 2022, Senegal, France, Brazil, Gareth Southgate.
England players inspect the pitch ahead of the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Senegal at the Al-Bayt Stadium. Photo by Martin Rickett.
Source: Getty Images

England's biggest test will be in the shape of reigning champions France, who they are scheduled to face off against in the quarters.

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Despite the threat that France represents, Rio contends Brazil are the only team that can stand in England's way to conquer the world.

According to Rio, they should be able to see off France should they manage to contain Kylian Mbappe.

"England are the better team, 100%. I think England are going to win the World Cup," Ferdinand said on the FIVE YouTube channel.

"The only team I think can go toe to toe with England is Brazil. They’ve got the personality and the characters to do that. They’ve got hardened European players," he added.

Brazil pay tribute to Pele

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Brazil's World cup round of 16 encounter with South Korea was an emotional affair for Tite's men.

The tie ended in a 4-1 win for Selecao as they set up a crunch quarter-final meeting with Croatia, who saw off Japan in the other last-16 fixture.

The South Americans used the occasion to send their best wishes to football icon Pele, who is currently hospitalized.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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