Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the chances of England winning the 2022 World Cup, even though he admitted that his native France, Brazil and Argentina are the top three teams to be reckoned with. 

Wenger revealed that the Three Lions are in the conversation when it comes to winning the tournament because of the young and exciting players in their ranks.

The highly respected French coach namechecked Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden and Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham as he discussed the quality young talents at the disposal of Gareth Southgate. 

England fans should be optimistic about winning their first World Cup since 1966, with the Three Lions performing well in their last two major tournaments - 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championship. 

Speaking to wettbasis, Wenger said : "England definitely has the potential to go far. Gareth Southgate's team has always finished in the last four in previous tournaments. This is certainly no coincidence.

"With Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and so on, England have plenty of young talent in their ranks.

"I also see Spain, which should never be written off, because technically there is enormous potential in this team, especially with the defensive midfield duo of Pedri and Gavi."

England impressed in their 2022 World Cup opener, beating Iran 6-2 thanks to two fantastic goals from Saka and strikes from Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Rashford and Jack Grealish.

Igho Kingsley