You heard it here first, England will ‘peak’ at the 2022 World Cup.
National team manager Roy Hodgson believes the current crop of young players, such as Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Harry Kane, will be at the height of their powers at the tournament to be held in Qatar in seven years’ time.
When asked in an interview what chance England will have at the the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Hodgson said: ‘Some of these players will be only 23 then. Realistically I would say the current crop will be at their peak in 2022.’
With the 2022 World Cup being held in the scorching heat of the Qatar, Kane’s Galway genes might mean he could struggle in the desert climate.
‘There is a long way to go and they have a lot to learn about what makes you a top player,’ he said. ‘Harry Kane hasn’t yet played an international game, Sterling hasn’t yet reached 10. So, yes, I am excited but we need to keep things in perspective.’
Talking up the team’s chances for a tournament you won’t be the manager for, and about players who may not live up to their potential, is the perfect way to keep things in perspective Roy.
