Paul Robinson – England have a realistic chance to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
But the former England ‘keeper believes favourites Brazil will triumph in Qatar. Robinson told the Betfred Football Show there are no surprises in Gareth Southgate’s squad – a tournament he believes will be the coach’s last, especially as the team has regressed since the Euros.
He picked the starting eleven for England’s opener against Iran with a back four and one holding midfielder, as he is convinced defensive Iran will park the bus.
Robinson goes for Pickford, Walker, Dier, Stones, Tripper, Rice, Bellingham, Foden, Saka, Sterling and Kane.
Of the 26 man squad he thought Ivan Toney was unfortunate to miss out in a straight choice between the Brentford striker and Newcastle’s in-form Callum Wilson.
The only player Robinson feels could have strengthened the squad but isn’t going to Qatar is Fikayo Tomori …. the AC Milan defender who “has great pace, and left foot.”
In his starting eleven Robinson said the most difficult choice was opting for Chelsea’s Sterling ahead of Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford.
He believes Brazil are the strongest nation on paper with Argentina close, but England have a “realistic opportunity” to be World champions.
Turning to this weekend’s Premier League games in which ahead of Qatar the top six have been scheduled to avoid each other, he thinks Manchester City will record the biggest win – predicting a 4-0 triumph over Brentford at the Etihad.
He goes for home wins for Bournemouth, Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle; against Everton, Southampton, Leeds and Chelsea respectively.
Robinson, who played at Leeds and Spurs, thinks Crystal Palace will be too strong for Nottingham Forest, and that West Ham and Leicester will draw 2-2.
Regarding leaders Arsenal he thinks they will still be top at Christmas by winning three-nil at Wolves, while on Sunday he believes Aston Villa will draw 1-1 at Brighton – and finally the “absolutely outstanding ” Rashford will inspire Manchester United to a two-nil win at Fulham.
