Overview
- Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker said Spain are the team to beat, with France next and England ranked behind them for the 2026 World Cup.
- He noted that betting markets place Spain, England, France, Argentina and Brazil as the leading pack he called the “big five.”
- Lineker said England have moved forward in recent tournaments but still have holes in defence that temper expectations.
- Co-host Micah Richards backed Spain and warned that summer conditions could disadvantage England players compared with rivals used to hotter leagues.
- Lineker added that Portugal could be a worthwhile outside bet if Cristiano Ronaldo accepts managed minutes.