Tottenham manager Antonio Conte makes bold ‘best’ England World Cup claim ahead of tournament

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte says he is backing England at the World Cup but suggested he would have had a change of heart if Italy had qualified for the tournament.

The Tottenham boss said: “I wish England the best because Italy isn’t playing at the World Cup and that’s why I can become an England supporter.”

England are hoping to replicate their fine form in Russia four years ago but face a tricky road to the final.

The Three Lions are in a reasonable group that has Iran, USA and Wales.

If they top the group as expected they face the second place in group A which is likely to be the Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador or host nation Qatar.

It then gets trickier as they travel through the competition with a potential meet up with favourites Argentina or holders France at the quarter final stage if they make it.

All these are hypotheses as England has one of the most talented players including Harry Kane who was Golden Boot winner in the Premier League in 2020/21.

But Antonio Conte, who will be waiting for the tournament even when he takes his team out to warm weather training, says he’ll be cheering on England and hopes they do well.

The Spurs manager is looking to establish the club as a mainstay in the Premier League and is expected to be given funds to go out there and make the team stronger as they chase down Arsenal and look to go past AC Milan in the Champions League.