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Former Manchester United and Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has thrown his support behind England in their quest for a World Cup title. Speaking at an event in Singapore, the Bulgarian legend shared his tournament expectations and weighed in on current football topics. Berbatov named the "Three Lions" as his favorites for the trophy, admitting a slight bias due to his extensive career in the country.
"My favorite is England. Since I played in England for many years, I'm a bit biased and I have to support them. Maybe it's time to bring it home, you know that phrase? Of course, it's not easy, but I think they have the talent and I secretly hope they will succeed this time. Of course, there's also Argentina, France, Spain – all the big nations who are favorites, and I understand that, but since my nation (Bulgaria) isn't there, I'm supporting England," Berbatov stated.
According to Berbatov, Thomas Tuchel would be a suitable choice for England's manager, given his ability to handle the large egos of star players. "When you win medals and trophies, your ego grows bigger and bigger. You need someone who knows how to deal with egos. I think he (Thomas Tuchel) is very good at that because he's not afraid and he doesn't care who you are. If you're not good enough and don't fit his style of play, he'll leave you out of the squad, as he has done with some big players," Berbatov commented.
Berbatov didn't hold back his praise for England captain Harry Kane, describing him as the perfect modern striker.
"Incredible. He's still strong, still doing what I want to see from a striker. He is a striker, but he isn't. He's a nine and a half. He drops deep, gets the ball, turns, passes, assists, puts everyone in a good position, isn't selfish, and, of course, he can score goals. That's what I want to see. If you ask me, the complete striker – that's Harry Kane."
Comparing him to Kylian Mbappé, Berbatov said: "Kane, for me, is the type of central striker I want to see. Mbappé isn't a typical central striker, but he's in a league of his own with that speed, strength, and mobility. However, right now I lean more towards Harry Kane because he's my type of player. But in the future, Mbappé will become even more incredible."
The former Red Devils' top scorer also discussed the situation at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick for the upcoming season.
"The honeymoon is over. Now the real work begins. Everyone will expect a lot from United, Champions League... Michael Carrick has shown he can handle it, and now everyone is saying, 'Okay, now you have to do even better.' I'm very happy for him and wish him good luck, as well as the whole team. All of us connected with the club want to see the Premier League trophy return to Old Trafford," Berbatov said.
He believes that managerial changes at rival clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool could present a golden opportunity for United. "You can use that momentum. A change of managers almost always brings a new way of playing, new habits. Perhaps this is the opportunity they need to capitalize on the transitional period at their rivals and bring the trophy back," he concluded.
The Bulgarian, who won the Premier League title twice with Manchester United, expressed his satisfaction that Michael Carrick would lead the team in the new season. However, Berbatov warned that the "honeymoon period" would end, and Carrick would face much more intense scrutiny.
England will later face Panama in an attempt to bounce back from their goalless draw against Ghana, with a victory securing them first place in Group L.
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