"I have a special love for them" - Brazil attacker Neymar lavishes praise on 2 'incredible' England stars ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup
Brazil superstar Neymar has heaped praise on two particular England players ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Sunday, 20 November with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in the inaugural game.
Brazil and England head into the tournament as two of the favorites to lift the trophy on 18 December. Brazil's star player Neymar has picked Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho as two of England's standout footballers.
Neymar has claimed that England have a chance to win the coveted trophy after 56 long years. The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar has waxed lyrical about Kane and Sancho. As quoted by Centredevils, Neymar said:
"I forgot about England but obviously they have a chance [at winning the World Cup]."
"I really like [Jadon] Sancho and [Harry] Kane. They’re two incredible players and I have a special love for them because I like players that have their qualities.”
Neymar is only 2 goals away from Pele 🇧🇷 https://t.co/OwbNax18tz
Kane will as usual be the leader of the English attack in the World Cup. The England skipper is just two goals away from matching Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for the Three Lions.
The Tottenham Hotspur attacker is England’s joint record goalscorer in major tournaments with 10 strikes to his name alongside Gary Lineker. He won the Golden Boot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Sancho has been overlooked by England manager Gareth Southgate for his 26-man England side for the tournament.
The winger had a decent start to the season at Manchester United but lost his form leading up to the World Cup, eventually costing him his place in the England squad. Sancho last played for the Three Lions back in October 2021 and has 23 caps till date.
The fleet-footed winger has struggled for form following his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021. He has scored just eight goals and produced four assists in 52 games for the Red Devils so far.
Neymar could retire from international football after World Cup
Brazilian superstar Neymar has reportedly hinted at retirement from international football after the FIFA World Cup 2022. He said:
"I can't guarantee that I'll play another [World] Cup... I honestly don't know. I'll play like it's the last."
"Maybe I'll play another one, maybe not. It depends. There's going to be a coaching change and I don't know if that coach will like me."
Neymar loves a goal for Brazil 🇧🇷 https://t.co/wqe2xrt8kl
The PSG attacker has earned 121 international caps for Brazil, scoring 75 goals and contributing 54 assists. This will be his third World Cup, and he has a chance to become Brazil's record goalscorer, surpassing the legendary Pele, who has 77 goals to his name.
Brazil's campaign for their record sixth title will get underway on November 24 against Serbia in Group G. They will then face Switzerland and Cameroon on November 28 and 3 December, respectively.