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  "path": "/2026/06/09/i-dont-fancy-them-joe-cole-predicts-huge-nation-will-limp-out-world-cup-28703853/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-09T07:48:15.000Z",
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  "textContent": "Spain will ‘limp out’ of this summer’s World Cup, predicts ex-England international Joe Cole (Picture: Getty)\n\nFormer England star Joe Cole says he ‘just doesn’t fancy’ Spain’s chances at the World Cup and predicts the European champions will ‘limp out’ of the tournament.\n\nLuis de la Fuente’s men cruised through qualifying to secure their place at this summer’s spectacle, finishing top of their group with an impressive undefeated record – winning five and drawing just one of their six contests.\n\nSixteen years on from their one and only World Cup triumph, Spain find themselves in Group H as the overwhelming favourites to come out on top above Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.\n\nSpurred on by their success at Euro 2024, La Roja boast many of the most exciting talents on the globe and will no doubt be confident of reaching the latter stages.\n\n##  All the World Cup action\n\nGet everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day. Sign up here.\n\nHowever, there remain doubts over the fitness of superstar forward Lamine Yamal – who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury – and De la Fuente will be praying for the 18-year-old sensation to make a speedy return to action.\n\nRodri and Co kick off their campaign against Cape Verde at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium next Monday evening.\n\nRating Spain’s hopes ahead of their opening clash, ex-England and Chelsea winger told The Dressing Room Podcast: ‘I’m going to throw it out there, I think this Spain team will limp out. I think they’ll limp out.\n\nYamal is a doubt for Spain’s opening group-stage clash with Cape Verde (Picture: Getty)\n\nDe la Fuente’s men also face Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H (Picture: Getty)\n\n‘They’re not a flash in the pan, that’s unfair because they’ve got top players.\n\n‘I think the Spanish league is on a downer at the moment. For the last few years, since Barcelona have fallen away… Atletico Madrid were dreadful, there’s no Spain players in the Real Madrid squad.\n\n‘I think they were a young side that put it all together for one tournament. For instance, if Lamine Yamal doesn’t play, say he gets injured or something, I just don’t fancy them.\n\n‘I think the power of France will be more than enough, Germany will be more than enough, Brazil… for some reason, it’s only a hunch.’\n\nTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvideo\n\nUp Next\n\nPrevious Page\n\nNext Page\n\nCole believes Portugal have a big opportunity to go far in the tournament, with Roberto Martinez boasting a wealth of extraordinary talent in midfield and attack.\n\nHowever, the former Three Lions attacker thinks their success – or otherwise – may depend on Cristiano Ronaldo’s willingness to take a backseat rather than playing ‘every minute of every game’.\n\n‘I think Portugal have got a chance,’ Cole explained.\n\n‘My thinking is… Vitinha, Nuno Mendes at left-back, obviously Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, so the midfield is solid, I think the midfield is the best midfield in the tournament.\n\nArgentina enter the tournament as the defending champions (Picture: Getty)\n\n‘The crucial thing for me is if Ronaldo can humble himself and realise he doesn’t need to play every minute of every game. As you get older you’ve got to understand your value.\n\n‘They got Rafael Leao on one side, Bernardo Silva coming in. They’ve got so much.’\n\nIn a previous interview with PA, Cole urged England fans to get over the ‘furore’ surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection and named the Three Lions as one of 12 nations capable of lifting the trophy next month.\n\nPOLL\n\nPoll\n\n### Can England realistically win this summer's World Cup?\n\n  * YesCheck\n\n  * NoCheck\n\n\n\n\n‘We’ve had our furore about the squad, nobody would have picked the same 26 players, and everyone’s got an opinion,’ he said.\n\n‘I think it’s just a case of let’s not keep talking about the players that are not there, let’s keep talking about the players that are there, and the players that are going to help us win, because we’ve got so many matchwinners.\n\n‘I think Thomas has got a style of play, and he’s picked a certain type of player who could fit that style.\n\n‘So we know how we’re going to play and we know we’ve got the players who can perform that role, and it’s just going to be how well they can execute the plan. And can we get our best players flying?\n\n‘I think we’re one of 12 teams that can win it and things will have to happen.’\n\n**For more stories like this, check our sport page**.\n\n**Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on**Facebook,** Twitter and Instagram**.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "‘I don’t fancy them’ – Joe Cole predicts huge nation will ‘limp out’ of World Cup"
}