As a veteran of two World Cups and scorer of ten goals at the finals, Gary Lineker knows a thing or two about the competition.
But, despite having played in tournaments in Mexico and Italy, England’s all-time record scorer at the World Cup believes this summer’s competition in Brazil will surpass even those.
The World Cup returns to South America for the first time in 36 years in June and Lineker is certain it will be one to remember.
He said: “It’s not just a World Cup but a World Cup in Brazil which is something special.
“Customarily it’s difficult for European sides in general in South America. No European side has ever won it there so let’s hope the boys do themselves justice which is the main thing.”
Gary Lineker celebrating his hat-trick against Poland at the World Cup in 1986
History may be against European nations in South America but the present is very much in England’s favour with so many English players performing impressively for their clubs, something Lineker is eager to point out.
He added: “If you look at the last few weeks lots of the English players have been playing really well.
“Sturridge is scoring goals and looking good, Sterling has come in and played well, Wayne Rooney’s had a pretty decent season and Lallana’s been really impressive.
“We’ve got players who you look at and think, ‘we can keep the ball with those players’.”
The legendary England forward is certainly doing his bit to back the boys in Brazil as he joined pop superstar Gary Barlow in leading England’s official World Cup song, ‘Greatest Day’.
But Lineker is very modest about his own singing ability.
“My voice is obviously brilliant which is why they asked me to lead this thing, I’m a natural singer,” he joked.
“Poor Gary Barlow got upstaged so he was a bit upset about that but I think he’ll get over it.”
So if England go all the way to glory in Brazil, will it be down to Roy Hodgson, the players or the massed ranks of passionate England fans who cheered them to victory?
Lineker has a different theory!
“If we go all the way I’ll be taking total credit,” he said with a cheeky grin.
“If England win the World Cup in Brazil it’ll clearly all be down to Barlow and myself.”
