LINEKER: WE’LL WIN..BUT IN 2022

GARY LINEKER has told England to “write off” this World Cup – but predicts glory next time round.

Lineker, Golden Boot winner as the tournament’s top scorer in 1986, feels England are simply not equipped to end 52 years of hurt in Russia.

And he called for Fulham boy wonder Ryan Sessegnon

(above, scoring against

Derby in Monday’s play-off win) to lead the charge from the kindergarten.

Match of the Day anchorman Lineker (right) believes last year’s success at Under-17 and U-20 age group levels will provide the foundation for England to become a “serious” force in the next World Cup cycle.

He said: “If I was Gareth Southgate, I would put this one down to experience, I would totally take the pressure off his players and say, ‘We’re not going to do particularly well, we’re not going to win this World Cup.’

“Let’s write it off – because realistically we haven’t got what it takes. In four years’ time, England are going to be a serious force in international football.

“There’s no question about that because we have all these youngsters who have been successful at U-17, U-19 and U-20 level.

“But at present, we haven’t the world-class players, and you need half your team to be world class to be serious favourites in a competition like this.

“We may not have that at the moment, but we will have it in four or six years from now, so bring Ruben Loftus-cheek, bring Ryan, bring Trent Alexanderarnold to the World Cup and give them a little experience.”