Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, has backed England to overcome Norway and their star striker Erling Haaland in the World Cup quarter-final. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star at the launch of the Stones' new album Foreign Tongues in London, Jagger said he believes the Three Lions have a strong chance but stopped short of predicting outright victory.
Jagger's Confidence in England
“They’ve got a good chance but I’ll never say we’re going all the way!” Jagger told the Daily Star’s James Cabooter. He expressed faith in England’s ability to neutralise Haaland, stating: “I think we've got players who know what he's about.” The 82-year-old rock star has flown to Miami to watch the match in person, admitting he is a “big fan” of the team.
Jagger’s optimism is tempered by past experiences. He was present at the 2018 World Cup semi-final when England lost 2-1 to Croatia in Moscow, and he also watched his beloved Arsenal lose the Champions League final to PSG in Hungary weeks earlier. “You can’t blame me for Arsenal missing two penalties,” he joked, dismissing any notion of being a bad-luck charm.
Football and Family
Jagger revealed that football has become a shared passion with his family, including his sons James, 40, and Deveraux, 9. Recalling the Champions League final, he said: “I stood up and cheered and just off camera I could see was my eldest son holding up my youngest son!” He has also grown close to former England star David Beckham, who invited him to watch the final in his box. Jagger was unaware the event was being filmed for a show called Beckham & Friends Live.
“So they’re filming while the match is on, and asking me questions while Arsenal go on and score. So I felt obliged to cheer, that’s probably the most lad-ish I’ve ever got at a match,” Jagger recalled.
Rolling Stones Album Launch
The interview coincided with the launch of Foreign Tongues, the Stones' new album. The band celebrated with a spectacular drone show over the River Thames on Wednesday night, recreating their iconic lips and tongue logo. Jagger and guitarist Ronnie Wood hosted an intimate party at the new luxury hotel St Clement, attended by family and friends including Georgia May Jagger, Daniel Craig, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Vernon Kaye. Guests enjoyed smash burgers and negroni cocktails with Stones-shaped ice cubes.
Jagger and Wood performed acoustic renditions of new song “Ringing Hollow” and classics “Dead Flowers” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Jagger explained the absence of guitarist Keith Richards, who was in the United States: “I spoke to Keith on the phone earlier and he sends his best and sad he can’t be here tonight, but he makes himself very loud and clear on the new album.”
As England prepare to face Norway, Jagger hopes the team can bring satisfaction to fans. The match kicks off tonight in Miami, where Jagger will be cheering from the stands.
