Troy Deeney names the team that will knock England out of the World Cup

Troy Deeney names the team that will knock England out of the World Cup

Troy Deeney Not Convinced England Can End 60 Years of Hurt

Troy Deeney has cast doubt on England’s World Cup credentials, admitting he has seen little so far to suggest the Three Lions are ready to end six decades of major tournament heartache.

As England gear up for a massive quarter-final clash with Norway—following a gritty 3–2 win over co-hosts Mexico, even after being reduced to ten men—Deeney remains unconvinced by what he’s witnessed.

Norway, who stunned five-time champions Brazil in the last 16 after dispatching Ivory Coast, represent a stern test. And while Deeney expects England to edge past the Scandinavians, he struggles to see them getting past a likely semi-final showdown with Argentina.

The defending champions staged a remarkable comeback from 2–0 down against Egypt to keep their title defence alive, and Lionel Messi’s side will fancy their chances against Switzerland—who needed penalties to see off Colombia.

Meanwhile, France, Belgium, Morocco, and European champions Spain are stacked on the opposite side of the draw.

“I Sound Like I Hate Them—But I Don’t”

“I don’t hate England—my wife even said I sound like I do whenever I talk about them,” Deeney told The Sun. “But I just have expectations based on what I’m told versus what I actually see.

“Thomas Tuchel said we’d be front-footed and play a different brand of football. I haven’t seen that yet. And that’s not me making things up—that’s me comparing his words to what’s on the pitch.

“Every game I’ve watched, I’ve been left with more questions. Just because England are winning doesn’t mean we’re going to win the World Cup.”

Norway Will Be Tough—But Argentina Are the Real Test

On England’s quarter-final opponent, Deeney added: “Norway will be difficult—we’ve struggled against well-organised, low-block teams. They’re physically strong, won’t fear set-pieces, and will try to impose themselves.

“They’re a united side with no fear because everything they achieve is history in the making. And they’ve got that guy [Erling Haaland] up front.

“I still expect us to win, but if we both get through, I’d fancy Argentina to beat us in the semis. It’s time we put together a proper performance.”

England are currently fourth-favourites with bookmakers, trailing Argentina, Spain, and tournament favourites France.