Hodgson’s massive statement on England’s World Cup chances

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England coach Roy Hodgson says that his players have a winning mentality heading into the 2014 World Cup finals.

‘England can win the World Cup.’ That’s the message that Roy Hodgson wants to send out to his countrymen.

The Three Lions last won football’s biggest competition in 1966 and have failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals since 1990. There has always been an air of optimism and hype surrounding the England team whenever there are about to participate in a World Cup or a European Championship, but this time there is a lull.

England have been pitted against Uruguay, Costa Rica and Italy in Group D in Brazil in what is arguably the toughest group of the competition. While the Italians and the Uruguayans will be the favourites to finish in the top two, the Central American country could be tricky for Hodgson and his men.

In previous World Cups, England were rated as one of the favourites, but after decades of disappointment, there is a sense of inevitability that once more they will fail. This time there are doubts whether they can even get out of their group.

However, Hodgson, who oversaw England’s run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, insists that they can go all the way and win it. After all, he says, what’s the point in already conceding defeat and then taking part in a tournament?

‘Yes, I believe the squad can win the World Cup, otherwise what’s the point?’ The 66-year-old told reporters. ‘But they’re empty words… We’re right to have some degree of optimism and to work on the basis there is a mood of optimism in the country’.

Many would think that it is laughable to suggest that England can win the World Cup. Not only do they don’t have the best squad, but the tournament is in Brazil, where the hosts as well as Argentina will have an advantage over the rest of the teams. True, the Three Lions do have some great players such as Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, and some very good youngsters such as Jack Wilshere, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley, but given their history of failure, they will not head into South America as one of the top favourites.

Yet, hope springs eternal. As Hodgson says, what’s the point in taking part in a tournament if you do not have the mentality or the determination to win it?