Lee Bowyer will be tuning into England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia on Wednesday evening, and he is backing them to secure a place in the final.
The Three Lions – led by Gareth Southgate – beat Sweden on Saturday afternoon to secure a last-four spot for the first time since 1990.
World Cup fever has swept the nation and Addicks caretaker boss, and former England international, Bowyer is very hopeful that ‘football’s coming home’.
“I thought the team were good on Saturday,” Bowyer said. “What Gareth has done with the young squad he’s taken out there, I think it’s been a credit.
“I know Gareth as, obviously, I’ve played against him. He’s a gentlemen but he’s a winner and, if we are ever going to have a chance to win a World Cup, it’s definitely this year. Hopefully we do.
“Croatia will probably be the hardest game we have played so far. They are a decent side but you look at our players and the players on the bench, there’s no reason why we can’t beat Croatia.
“Then the final is what it is. Whether it’s France or Belgium, it’s a one-off game and anyone can beat anyone. I know that myself, having been in a final and won it when no-one expected us to.
“It doesn’t matter who we play, if we get there. We will have a very good chance and it’ll be who handles it better on the day.”