Alan Shearer believes England have a good chance of
winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but admits they will
need a bit of luck along the way.
The former Three Lions star, who scored 30 goals in 63 caps for his
country, was part of the squad to go out of the 1998 World Cup on
penalties against Argentina and says they will probably have to
face a shoot-out en route to the final.
England go into this summer’s competition possessing their oldest
squad ever to play in the tournament, and Shearer believes the
experience within the squad will prove vital.
Speaking at the launch of an Umbro project, he said: "I think we
look very strong and if we don't get any more injuries, then we
have a chance, there's no doubt about it.
"We have an experienced squad. It is the second-oldest squad after
Italy, so we have a lot of players who know what they are doing and
that will put us in good stead.
"I'd love to see us win it but we will need a bit of luck and
probably have to win a penalty shootout somewhere down the
line."
Shearer, who played in one World Cup in his career, says playing in
the tournament is a "great occasion".
He added: "I was injured for the USA 94 qualifying games when we
did not reach the finals, but I was lucky enough to play in the
Euros in '92, '96 and in 2000.
"So I had no complaints about only playing in one World Cup and it
was a great occasion.
"I was captain and it was very special singing the National
Anthem."