World Cup 2006 News
Ballack says England team best for years
Jun 6, 2006, 14:26 GMT
Berlin - Premier League-bound Michael Ballack counts England among the World Cup favourites alongside Brazil, Argentina and Italy.
The Germany captain said that if the hosts reach the round of the last 16, England, Sweden or Paraguay would be likely opponents.
''England have at the moment a very good team, the sort of team they haven't had for many years,'' said Ballack who is joining Chelsea next season from Bayern Munich.
''They have a mature and experienced team which has played the same system for years. They can replace players easily or have players who grow into their positions, and have simply a good pool of players. Along with Brazil, Argentina and Italy I would count them as the co-favourites.
''They have got to live up to the pressure and the high expectations. They have set out their aim to be world champions and will have to be measured by this.''
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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