• World Cup

Xavi tips England as Spain's nearest rivals

ESPNsoccernet staff
May 30, 2010
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi sees few weaknesses in England's squad © Getty Images
Enlarge

Spain midfielder Xavi claims that England represent the biggest threat to his side at this summer's World Cup - not the likes of Brazil, Argentina, or current champions Italy.

Xavi is seen as one of the best midfielders in the world and will be a key player for Spain in South Africa and, while he expects his side are the favourites to land the trophy, he thinks Fabio Capello's men come a close second.

''People say that the strongest nation on paper is Spain - but after us I really think it is England,'' he told the Daily Star. ''Perhaps their goalkeepers aren't world class but apart from that you struggle to see a weakness."

Xavi, 30, has formed a great partnership with fellow Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta in midfield, but also believes that the English side have players to match them.

"The World Cup isn't won on paper but after us I think England have the second-best team,'' he said. ''It's not a surprise really when you consider so much of the England set-up is made up of players from Manchester United and Chelsea.

''Over the last five years they have been the strongest teams in Europe alongside Barcelona, so with a nation full of their players it comes as no surprise they are so strong. There is Lionel Messi then a group of players behind him and Wayne Rooney is in that group. Rooney particularly impresses me.

''The spine of England's team is very strong. John Terry, Frank Lampard and Rooney are all among the best in their positions in the world.

''Like Spain, England need to start believing that they can win a major tournament. If they do that with the players they have, they will be very dangerous. After so many years of hurt and disappointment you have to get the belief back, without it you won't win anything.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices