CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR, ENGLAND

MICHAEL O’NEILL is backing England to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 – but lose the July 15 showpiece to a Neymarinspired Brazil.

The Northern Ireland boss believes Gareth Southgate’s class of 2018 will have too much for Sweden in tomorrow’s last eight showdown in Samara.

He also fancies the English to overcome Croatia, who he believes will see off Russia, in the semis. But that’s where the adventure will end with O’neill (left) tipping Brazil, who face Belgium tonight, to lift their first World Cup since 2002.

He said: “Brazil are getting better with each game and they