England are one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup but leading pundit Gary Neville believes there is a distinct lack of world class talent in their ranks.
Quite what defines ‘world class’ has long been a debate. It’s hard to find a specific answer that perfectly suits in football.
Still, few would doubt that England do boast some fantastic players who would get into most teams around the world.
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Indeed, the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Reece James are just a few who would surely be the envy of any team around.
However, Neville believes Harry Kane is in fact England’s only genuine great.
Neville thinks only Harry Kane is world class
Speaking to ITV, the former Manchester United defender said: “He’s a star.
“You talk about England having talented players, but we have one genuinely world-class player and that is Harry Kane.
“This whole squad that Thomas Tuchel has picked – in the attacking part – is all [to focus] around him.”
While not to dispute Kane’s standing as a leading force in the game, it is perhaps slightly unfair to say he is the only one of such status.
Rice was just instrumental to Arsenal winning the Premier League and getting to the Champions League final.
Injuries might have derailed his progress over the course of his career but few can doubt the quality that Chelsea star James boasts when he’s fully fit. Few right-backs can compare.
Then there’s Bellingham. Last season at Real Madrid wasn’t his best due to injury but the former Birmingham youngster is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated players in the world.
Frankly, it is the sheer quality that England have in attacking positions that makes them one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup.
Kane is clearly crucial to that but he has elite support in certain areas of the squad, even if some big names have been left out by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Indeed, the England squad is so strong that the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden do not feature.
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