London [UK], June 6 (ANI): Legendary English footballer David Beckham has tipped Japan as a possible shock package deal on the 2026 FIFA World Cup whereas admitting he’s dreaming of seeing England finish their six-decade anticipate international glory.
Speaking forward of the event, which will probably be hosted throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, Beckham mirrored on his personal World Cup experiences and shared his predictions for the upcoming version.
‘As far as I can bear in mind again as a younger child, I’ve at all times been enthusiastic about World Cups,’ Beckham mentioned, as per ABC News, recalling recollections of supporting England from his childhood residence in East London.
The former midfielder, who represented England on the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups, mentioned watching his heroes impressed his love for the event, notably former England captain Bryan Robson.
Among his personal World Cup highlights, Beckham pointed to a memorable second from France 1998.
‘Scoring my first aim for England on my mum’s birthday,’ he mentioned, referring to his gorgeous free-kick in opposition to Colombia that helped England safe a spot within the knockout levels.
The 51-year-old added that main his nation on soccer’s greatest stage stays his most cherished reminiscence.
‘Also, I’d need to say — strolling out as a captain of your nation in a World Cup, you already know, that is my greatest and greatest reminiscence,’ he advised ABC News. ‘The accountability is unimaginable. I used to be simply proud to be in that place.’
Looking forward to the 2026 event, Beckham unsurprisingly backed England as his most well-liked winner.
‘I’m at all times going to say England — particularly [because] it is 60 years now since clearly we final received the World Cup, so it is about time that we win [again],’ he mentioned.
However, Beckham warned that each World Cup produces surprising contenders and recognized Japan as a staff able to making a deep run.
‘It’s by no means straightforward,’ he mentioned. ‘There’s at all times, you already know, a shock in a World Cup with both a participant or a rustic that emerges. I believe the Japanese staff have gotten a very robust staff — they may very well be type of a secret.’
He additionally highlighted conventional powerhouses France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil among the many main contenders for the title.
Since retiring in 2013 after a distinguished 21-year taking part in profession, Beckham has remained closely concerned in soccer as co-owner of Major League Soccer membership Inter Miami CF. He expects to look at a lot of the World Cup motion from Florida, one of many event’s host areas.
Away from soccer, Beckham revealed that gardening has turn out to be his favorite pastime.
‘It’s my pleased place. I am unable to lie,’ Beckham mentioned. ‘Every weekend I’m within the countryside with clearly all of my greens and my chickens.’
Reflecting on the change in way of life, he added, ‘I used to be saying to my good friend the opposite day, ‘I was fairly cool, you already know? Like driving motorbikes in LA with my associates, tenting in forests — and now I’m a gardener. It’s a special type of cool.’ (ANI)