Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has questioned whether the Three Lions have shown enough quality to be considered serious World Cup winners.
England head into their first knockout-stage challenge against DR Congo after finishing top of Group K, ahead of Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
However, despite progressing successfully, their performances have attracted criticism from fans and former players.
Scholes, who earned 66 caps for England during his international career, believes Thomas Tuchel’s side possess plenty of individual talent but have yet to demonstrate the style and consistency required to go all the way in the tournament.
“I don’t think we have seen a team that can win the World Cup yet,” He told Sky Sports at a live event for the Good, the Bad and the Football Podcast.
The former midfielder acknowledged that England still have time to improve but suggested their current approach is built more around physical strength and individual brilliance rather than controlling matches through attractive football.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think they can still improve.
“There’s talent in there; I just don’t think you are ever going to see a flowing game of football. He’s picked a team to overpower teams and to be quicker and stronger than teams, rather than to play the beautiful game.
“I don’t think that will ever happen. They can get better, of course; one thing they have are match winners.”
Despite his concerns, Scholes believes England’s biggest strength is their collection of players capable of producing decisive moments when matches become difficult.
He highlighted the importance of attackers such as Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who can change the outcome of games even when the team is not performing at its best.
“When they are not playing well, they’ve got players who can. [Marcus] Rashford can do it. [Bukayo] Saka needs games but he’s a matchwinner, and obviously Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are the main ones to watch.”
Scholes also suggested England could perform better when facing stronger opponents because those teams are more likely to attack and create space.
The former England star believes matches against elite nations could suit Tuchel’s side more than games where England are expected to dominate possession and break down defensive opponents.
“I think they will be better against the better teams. When the onus is on them to go and beat a team, they are not great at it. But when they’ve got a team that will attack them, like a France or Argentina, they will be better.”
With the knockout stage now underway, England will be hoping their talented squad can silence doubts and prove they have what it takes to compete for the biggest prize in world football.
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