Germany's star rates England's World Cup chances: "People don't need to worry too much."
After reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup before losing the Euro 2020 final, England are among the favorites to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Germany and former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has high hopes.
England's "great quality," according to Antonio Rudiger, will make them genuine World Cup contenders.
According to Germany defender Rudiger, Gareth Southgate also has the luxury of depth, which means "big names" cannot even make the squad. Former Chelsea centre half Rudiger, 29, who has recently joined Real Madrid, has been part of Germany's setup for eight years and admits that this is the strongest England he has ever seen.
Rudiger saw England play their old rivals in Munich and believes the likes of Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, and Jack Grealish mean Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are no longer even considered. "The England squad has great quality," World Cup star Rudiger said. Saka comes out, and Grealish enters. I noticed a lot of big names on the bench.
"England has many reasons to be optimistic about the future." I don't think you need to be concerned. The English players are definitely improving. Consider the fact that players like Rashford and Sancho did not even make the squad.
"That tells you that the English squad has a lot of depth and big, big players like Harry Kane, Sterling, and Grealish - big names, big players."
Rudiger also mentioned England's ability to change the game from the bench in Munich as potentially becoming a major factor at the World Cup. Grealish came on and changed the game, and Rudiger believes he can win games and be crucial in tournaments. "I think Grealish had a real impact on the team because he came on and gave good one-v-ones and everything," Rudiger said. "He's a very dangerous player, and those types of players will win you games."
Rudiger claims Germany dominated England on Tuesday night, but the outcome is what matters, and defeat at last summer's Euros - when Gareth Southgate's men triumphed at Wembley - still haunts them. "I remember you beating us the last time," Rudiger smiled.
"I thought we were the more dominant team; I thought both sides had quite good chances - big save from Manuel Neuer, and we had a couple of good chances as well - but I thought we controlled the game."
Rudiger did claim that Germany pulled off a masterstroke by convincing Jamal Musiala, who had represented England at under-21 level, to switch allegiances to Germany. "He's one of a kind," Rudiger said. "He's a really good player who will only get better in the future."
Rudiger admits he will miss English football after leaving to join Real Madrid, especially the physical side of the game. "I will miss the toughness," he added. It's just that you can't ever underestimate the team you're playing against. This is what I'll remember the most."
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