Harry Redknapp changes World Cup prediction: ‘They are the team to beat now’
Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has changed his World Cup prediction after backing Portugal as his pre-tournament favourites.
Draws against DR Congo and Colombia saw Portugal get off to a scruffy start at the summer’s tournament and only finish second in their group.
Roberto Martinez’s side faced Croatia in their first knockout match, with Goncalo Ramos’ late goal off the bench enough to secure a narrow 2-1 victory against their fellow Europeans.
It was far from a vintage performance from the former European Champions, though, with Croatia perhaps unfortunate to see a last-minute equaliser from Josko Gvardiol ruled out for offside.
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Portugal now face a daunting task against Spain in the last-16 as they look to keep their hopes alive in what will likely be the last World Cup for their talismanic striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Spain drew their opening group game against Cape Verde but are yet to concede a goal this tournament, and looked at their ominous best as they swatted aside Austria with a 3-0 win to reach the last 16.
Redknapp had backed Portugal before a ball was kicked this tournament, but the former Tottenham boss is not so confident now, telling Metro: ‘I thought Portugal would have a good go at it, but I watched them the other night, and they got away against Croatia in the end.
‘Martinez ended up taking off his key players, Fernandes and Ronaldo and then they nicked a goal and got away with it. So I’ve not been over-impressed with Portugal.’
Instead, Redknapp now believes that France are the most likeliest winners after they impressed again with a 3-0 win over Sweden in the last 32.
Didier Deschamps’ side now play Paraguay for a spot in the quarter-finals, with Redknapp confident that France’s threat in forward areas will set them apart from the rest of the remaining sides.
‘France have been the best team I’ve seen for sure,’ he added. ‘I think France are the team to beat.
‘They’ve got so many good players, so many great attacking options with flair who can do things. We lack one or two people who can do something special, apart from Harry.
‘But I’m talking about someone who can beat somebody or play a pass, open up a defence with a bit of magic, take a risk. France have that abundance.’
‘England haven’t had a go – we’re waiting for something to happen’
Like the rest of the country, Redknapp will have his eyes glued to his television screen in the early hours of Monday morning as England take on Mexico looking to reach the quarter-finals.
Thomas Tuchel’s side face a daunting task against the tournament co-hosts, who are yet to concede a goal this tournament and play at a significant altitude in Mexico City.
But Redknapp believes England should still go into the match full of confidence, insisting: ‘The most important thing is that we have got better players, of that there is no doubt.
‘If you go for Mexico’s team and go for our team, there’s no comparison between the two teams in terms of quality and ability. Their centre forward, who’s their star man, has just been released by Fulham and is going to Wolves in the Championship.
‘They’ve got some decent players, but they haven’t got players of the class of quite a few of our players.
‘What we’ve got to do is make sure we keep the ball, start the game by keeping the ball well, quietening the crowd down. If they get off to a flying start and we start giving them chances and they score, it’s going to be a very difficult evening, for sure.’
But regardless of the result, Redknapp is keen to see the Three Lions take a bolder approach on the ball, especially after squeaking past DR Congo to reach this stage of the knockouts.
‘We haven’t had a go,’ he fumed. ‘I feel we’ve been really sort of on the back foot almost waiting for something to happen.
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‘We’ve played really poor teams that we should be beating quite easily. So, I’m all for having a bit more of a go. I want to see us have a go.’
Redknapp was speaking to Metro after watching England’s win over Congo on LG’s Red Route – a unique, fan-first commuter experience kitted out with flagship OLED TVs
‘The LG, the bus was amazing,’ he said. ‘We were driving through central London, Trafalgar Square, past thousands of people in the streets with their England colours and it was a great atmosphere. It’s first time I’ve been on a bus in a long time, but I absolutely loved it.’
In time for England’s round of 32 game at 5pm on 1 July, LG launched Redknapp’s Red Route – a unique, fan-first commuter experience hosted by Harry Redknapp. The London bus was transformed into the ultimate matchday viewing experience, kitted out with flagship OLED TVs and immersive Sound Suite audio, ensuring fans never missed a kick. Visit https://www.lg.com/uk/tvs-soundbars for more information.
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Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/07/04/harry-redknapp-changes-world-cup-prediction-they-team-beat-now-29038851/