Tomas Brolin predicts England's World Cup exit at quarterfinals

Sweden's former international Tomas Brolin has expressed skepticism about England's prospects in the upcoming World Cup, stating that the team is overrated and unlikely to win the tournament. England is pursuing its first World Cup title since 1966.

In an interview with Hajper, Brolin gave a harsh evaluation of England's national team, suggesting that the expectations surrounding them are inflated. He said, "As usual I don't think they have any major chance. Rather it's probably themselves on that island who think they are going to win. They have done so for many years and they continue like that. But I am not born there, so no. Quarterfinals possibly. That's probably the furthest I think England will go."

Brolin also addressed Cristiano Ronaldo's future in football, rejecting the notion that the 41-year-old forward is nearing retirement. Despite having retired himself at 28, Brolin believes Ronaldo will continue playing as long as he enjoys the sport. He explained, "As long as you think football is fun, then whether you’re 28 years old, 30 or 40, it doesn't matter. You just continue. It will never come back if you quit. You just have to keep going as long as you think it's fun. Nobody else is going to decide that. But as long as you yourself think it's fun, just keep playing."

The discussion then shifted to the Ballon d'Or and emerging talents who could contend for the award. Brolin identified France international Michael Olise as a strong candidate to challenge established stars like Kylian Mbappe and Spain's Lamine Yamal, contingent on a strong performance in the tournament. He stated, "If anyone can win the Ballon d’Or this year it's between those two who are closest at hand. But then some others can pop up like in those teams who do very well too."

He added, "We saw Michael Olise score three goals in the last match before the World Cup. And there are many who play for Spain if Yamal doesn't show up and score his goals, and he has probably also had some problems with some injury like that. So there are many others who can step forward if they don't score the most goals or are prominent but if one of them wins, then it probably will be Yamal or Mbappe."

England is set to begin its Group L campaign with a match against Croatia on June 17, followed by games against Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27. The team's performance in the opening match is considered crucial for their chances of advancing and competing for the World Cup title.