England legend Paul Merson has admitted he hates hearing 'football's coming home' but says this summer could finally see England end 60 years of hurt at the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side have navigated their way through the group stage to top Group L ahead of Croatia, Ghana and Panama, albeit unconvincingly. The Three Lions start their potential path to the final with a similar test to their previous two group games against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Merson's Confidence in Tuchel's Squad
If England beat the African side containing the likes of Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, they will face the winners of hosts Mexico and Ecuador in the Estadio Azteca. Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport, thanks to Immersive Gamebox, the Arsenal legend gave his thoughts on backing Tuchel and the 26-man squad he selected in a bid to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
Merson said: "I wasn't very bullish at the start. I thought the heat, I thought this and that. I know it was under the roof the other night with air conditioning. But I would say, I like the way we played. I've been screaming out for us to play like a Premier League team, you know, that bang bang, quick. Because if we play at that tempo, I don't think teams will live with us. We've seen it in Europe this season, the way that two teams won it and we lost in the final of another one. So, for me, play it that way. I like Tuchel. I like him. I like what he said to the players as well, what you're hearing from them. And he's got five unbelievable substitutes that can come on and not weaken the team. I think that's the big advantage."
'I Hate That Saying' – But It Could Be Coming Home
Asked if it was coming home, Merson admitted he hated that saying, but thinks it is finally England's time. He added: "I hate that saying. I do hate that saying. But yeah, I personally think it's got every, got every chance. We're in the mix. I think when you get to the quarter-final, if you can get there, then it's anybody's game. But you got to wait and see what happens with the bracket."
England's Potential Path to the Final
Should England go all the way, they will have beaten either Brazil or their victors in the quarter-final, and Argentina or whoever knock out Lionel Messi and co in the process while the likes of Spain, France and Germany all wait on the other side of the draw. Merson spent Father's Day with a footballing family showdown at Immersive Gamebox, taking on its brand-new Football Arcade experience alongside his 11-year-old son Freddie. With the World Cup in full swing, Football Arcade recreates the feeling of tournament football in a format anyone can enjoy, whether they are football-mad or have never kicked a ball before. Designed for teams of two to six players who choose a nation, customise their avatar and compete on a global leaderboard, with a $10,000 grand prize up for grabs.
