Fleetwood backed to end Open drought

England’s footballers came up just short in Russia in their efforts to reach the World Cup final.

But I’m backing Tommy Fleetwood to end the 26-year wait for an English golfer to be The Open Champion.

It was in 1992 that Sir Nick Faldo won the last of his three Claret Jugs, but I think Tommy is ready to take the next step and become a Major winner.

That’s how I felt when I watched him shoot 63 on the final day in last month’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills.

It equalled the lowest score at a US Open, but that’s almost the worst score it could have been. That is how well he played.

And it needed some wonderful golf and strong nerves from Brooks Koepka to beat his clubhouse target.

Tommy is a player who keeps improving and he’s kicked on from winning the European Tour’s Race to Dubai last year.

He struggled a little in Germany and France after his exertions at Shinnecock, so it was a wise move to sit this week out at Gullane.

Fleetwood is long enough off the tee and has all the stuff needed to win The Open.

He’ll also arrive at Carnoustie with good memories from last year, having shot a course record 63 during the Dunhill Links.

Now, I know the course will play very differently from the soft conditions you get later in the year, but he will bring plenty of confidence with him.

The man who beat him at the US Open, Koepka, will also be a danger as he is such a long, fearless driver of the ball.

Jason Day has bounced back to form in 2018, with two wins already, while Rickie Fowler is a Major Champion in-waiting.

Rory McIlroy has been so inconsistent and I worry about his putting, but we all know what can happen when he gets into full flight.

As for Tiger Woods, it’s a sign of the times that he is only an outsider at best.

A finish in the top-15 would be a good week as he’s not hitting enough good shots over four days to really challenge.