Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has changed his World Cup prediction after initially backing Portugal as his pre-tournament favourites. The former Tottenham boss now believes France are the team to beat following their impressive performances.
Portugal's Struggles and Redknapp's Change of Heart
Portugal got off to a scruffy start with draws against DR Congo and Colombia, finishing second in their group. They narrowly defeated Croatia 2-1 in the last 32, with Goncalo Ramos scoring late off the bench, while Croatia had a last-minute equalizer from Josko Gvardiol ruled out for offside. Redknapp told Metro: 'I thought Portugal would have a good go at it, but I watched them the other night, and they got away against Croatia in the end. Martinez ended up taking off his key players, Fernandes and Ronaldo and then they nicked a goal and got away with it. So I've not been over-impressed with Portugal.'
France Emerge as Favourites
France impressed with a 3-0 win over Sweden in the last 32 and face Paraguay next. Redknapp said: 'France have been the best team I've seen for sure. I think France are the team to beat. They've got so many good players, so many great attacking options with flair who can do things. We lack one or two people who can do something special, apart from Harry. But I'm talking about someone who can beat somebody or play a pass, open up a defence with a bit of magic, take a risk. France have that abundance.'
England's Challenge Against Mexico
England face Mexico in the early hours of Monday, with the co-hosts yet to concede a goal and playing at altitude in Mexico City. Redknapp believes England have better players but must be bold: 'The most important thing is that we have got better players, of that there is no doubt. If you go for Mexico's team and go for our team, there's no comparison between the two teams in terms of quality and ability. Their centre forward, who's their star man, has just been released by Fulham and is going to Wolves in the Championship. They've got some decent players, but they haven't got players of the class of quite a few of our players.'
Redknapp Calls for More Aggression
Redknapp urged England to take a bolder approach: 'We haven't had a go. I feel we've been really sort of on the back foot almost waiting for something to happen. We've played really poor teams that we should be beating quite easily. So, I'm all for having a bit more of a go. I want to see us have a go.'
Redknapp was speaking to Metro after watching England's win over Congo on LG's Red Route – a fan-first commuter experience kitted out with flagship OLED TVs. 'The LG, the bus was amazing,' he said. 'We were driving through central London, Trafalgar Square, past thousands of people in the streets with their England colours and it was a great atmosphere. It's first time I've been on a bus in a long time, but I absolutely loved it.'
