Fowler, Barnes back England’s chances

Legends caution against expecting too much from team in FIFA World Cup.

LIVERPOOL:

Football legends Robbie Fowler and John Barnes said that although they hoped England would progress beyond the group stages of the upcoming 2014 World Cup, their expectations from the team were not high.

Speaking at a press session in Anfield, the former Liverpool players said it would take at least two years for the team to become a serious threat to the stronger contenders in football.

“We don’t want to expect too much from the England squad,” said Barnes, who has played for England in the 1986, 1990 and 1994 World Cups, besides the 1988 European championships.

“I want to see them progress through the group stages first. They are a young team and hopefully in the next two years, we’ll have a strong England side.”

England are placed in Group D along with Uruguay, Costa Rica and Italy.

Meanwhile, Fowler said that the player to look out for will be striker Wayne Rooney.

“Rooney will play an important role in the tournament,” said Fowler, who was a part of the 2002 World Cup. “Given that he doesn’t get injured, Rooney can deliver match-winning performances.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2014.

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