World Cup 2026, interview with Emile Heskey: “England as a semi-final”

England are in the running, but maybe not enough to win the World Cup. Word of Emile Heskey, former Three Lions international twice in the tournament that all children dream of playing (2002 and 2010), the highest point at international level in a career full of goals and satisfactions.

Emile, ‘It’s coming home’, how do the fans sing?

“Ours is a nation of optimists, but there are many factors that must be weighed such as weather conditions, opponents and possible injuries. I say that the semi-final would be a good result for England.”

“As fans we never react well when England exits a major tournament. However, there are many other strong nations, starting with France and Spain. The games are played in Central and North America, in a hot-humid climate with which the South American teams are likely to be able to cope better than the European ones.”

A reason why England is better than the others.

“Harry Kane. He’s scored over 60 goals this year, he’s phenomenal.”

Is England too dependent on him?

“Probably, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There aren’t many other players who can get you out of a sticky situation. And there aren’t many around who can score 8-10 goals in the tournament.”

One reason why England won’t win?

“In defense we could be stronger than we are, more solid. We have technical defenders, but really defending is a little different.”

Who would Tuchel have left out in the USA?

“Harry Maguire. I’m surprised he’s not in the 26, for how he played, for his ability to find goals when needed, to defend as if his life depended on it. I found it strange that he was left out also because of the speeches that Tuchel has always made about the need to have leaders.”

Bellingham or Rogers as the starting 10?

“If Jude is well, I say Jude. Rogers, however, has had a spectacular season. He is unlucky to have Jude as a competitor, who is phenomenal, because he would be ahead of anyone else. If I were Rogers, however, I would be disappointed if I didn’t start the first game.”

Is Rice, the new vice-captain, worth the best midfielders in the world?

“He is among the best, he has shown that he can face them on the occasions that matter, such as the Champions League final. He had a phenomenal season, he was decisive for Arsenal and proved that he is a leader. He is someone who talks a lot on the pitch, and I like players like that because I didn’t do it and I liked having teammates of that type next to me: it helps push you to always give your best. Even if the captain’s speech is misunderstood.”

“The reality is that you need 11 captains in a team, not just one. Plus those on the bench, who push their teammates. The reality is that for a group to function, everyone needs to be their own captain, who always push themselves to the maximum.”

“I think France is stronger than the others. If they don’t win I’ll say Spain, in my best four with England and Argentina. But if Spain doesn’t win I’ll bet on an outsider. I don’t know who, probably a South American who can manage the climate factor well. I’ve played in America, Australia, Asia: it’s not easy with that humidity. You sweat anyway, even when walking. It will be very tough.”

It is the last World Cup of two legends, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“They can provide a bit of nostalgia, a bit of joy, the wonderful memories of what they did and who they are. There is a great generation that is leaving and a new one that is arriving, with Lamine Yamal at the head: this World Championship can be a sort of handover.”

Who will be the Messis and Ronaldos of the new generation?

“It’s dangerous to talk about a new Messi and Ronaldo, because these players will be different. Look at Lamine Yamal, who is doing things in his own way: he is a fantastic player, but he is different from Messi. I think he will be the one to define what this new generation will be, him like Doué and many others who I admire.”

Any advice from someone who has won the World Cup twice?

“Enjoy it, first of all. And don’t think too much, because it clouds your mind and doesn’t allow you to do what you came to this point to do. Being nervous is fine, but if you know how to manage it. The World Cup is every child’s dream: you’re there, you made it, but now don’t let it get out of hand.”

A team you can’t wait to see?

“Japan. They played against England and they amazed me: they didn’t win by chance, they were perfectly at ease. And then they also beat Brazil. And as the son of Caribbean parents I also say Haiti and Curaçao: their presence at the World Cup will make all the children of those islands think that one day they could be them. And they will start to dream of doing so.”

He has not yet mentioned Brazil.

“They have fantastic players on an individual level, but I don’t think they have that special something they’ve always had. Maybe because we’re used to thinking of Brazil full of super stars. This time there’s Neymar, but he’s at the end of his career and it’s not the same as when, for example, I faced them.”

“It was the 2002 World Cup, we were proud to have Michael Owen as a former Ballon d’Or winner. Brazil’s attack was Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, all winners of that award. On the bench they had Kakà, who would later win it. In defence, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. They had a collection of stars, names that left people speechless. Today they don’t have them, but they can still surprise because as South Americans they are more used to that climate.”

I would ask you about Italy, but…

“It’s hard not to see it. Italy is a football country, I grew up watching Gascoigne, Platt, Ince come to you. Everyone dreamed of Italy, not England: they wanted Milan, Inter, Sampdoria, teams like those. A fall like that, even if it hurts, is necessary: ​​now Italy must build, understand what football needs for the next generation.”