06.01.2014 14:43 h

Football: Fowler says England 'will struggle' at World Cup

Daniel Sturridge erzielte bei Aston Villa den Treffer des Tages
Daniel Sturridge erzielte bei Aston Villa den Treffer des Tages

Former England striker and Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler said Monday he expected England to struggle at the World Cup in Brazil as he tipped one of the top Latin sides to win.

He predicted that England could qualify from the group stage, where they face Costa Rica, Italy and Uruguay, but "beyond that they will struggle".

Liverpool legend said that there were other international teams which were "stronger, better".

"Spain, Brazil and Argentina... I would say one of these teams could win, are strong contenders," he said.

He was also asked if current Liverpool attackers Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge could become one of the best ever strike forces for his former club, which he tipped as serious contenders for the English Premier League title.

"Definitely," he said. "What I like about both of them is... when Daniel came last January and played a large portion of matches without Suarez he scored goals and whenever Suarez has played alone he too has scored goals."

The left-footer, who scored 183 goals in 369 appearances for Liverpool, also dismissed recent reports linking him with the manager's job at struggling Torquay United in England league two football.

"I don't know where these reports came out from. I am not in any such talks," he said.

Looking ahead, Fowler said that he was open to offers including a possible stint in India, a country he has been linked to in the past.

"Last year it didn't work out in India but I'm certainly interested if something comes up (this year), most likely as a manager in the Indian league," he told the media.

Liverpool are set to open their first academy in India in Pune later this year. Sharon Tuff, head of global partnership and sales at Liverpool football club confirmed the plan for the year 2014.