Veron backing England (30 Mar 2006 03:11 GMT)
Juan Sebastian Veron has backed England to make a big impression at this summer's World Cup by naming them among his pre-tournament favourites.
In an interview with Colombian newspaper El Espectador, Veron said: "Even though Brazil are the best team, England have players at the top of their level. I like England very much because they have Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Steven Gerrard. And if David Beckham is charged up, I think they are candidates."
Veron is unlikely to feature in Germany for Argentina after being overlooked by coach Jose Pekerman ahead of the competition.
Veron continued: "For me, the stage of being one of the supporters has started. Perhaps I'm a bit nostalgic because I've been representing the national team for several years, two World Cups, and I had thousands of positive experiences. I'll be one more fan giving Argentina my backing and confidence through television."
Veron also agreed with those who believe his country have been drawn in the hardest qualifying group with Argentina set to face Holland, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro in the opening stage.
"It's true. It's the group of death," he said. "But we don't have to be dramatic, because if we're worried, our rivals should be even more. Holland are a renewed, dangerous team. That's why nobody wanted to be drawn with them. I don't know very much about Serbia & Montenegro and the Ivory Coast, but what is important is that Argentina have a difficult-to-find mix: Argentina have players with South American talent mixed with European experience. If we don't have injury problems, we'll reach the top spots."
source : sportinglife