Ray Parlour believes England are still ‘well short’ of other nations following their confirmation of World Cup qualification after beating Poland 2-0 on Tuesday, writes Talksport.
The former Three Lions midfielder insisted that Roy Hodgson has done a good job in guaranteeing England will be in the 2014 World Cup, but believes improvements must be made in order to not flop next summer.
Parlour, who made over 330 appearances for Arsenal, thinks England still have a lot to do to catch up with ‘bigger’ nations. “Last night was an excellent performance, it was great to get through to Brazil, but I still think England are well short.
“You look at the other nations, the likes of Spain, Holland, France – if they do get through – and then you look at Brazil and Argentina and there is so much quality.
“It is going to be tough for them. I think they are about 25-1 [to win the World Cup] and that reflects roughly their chances. I think that is about the right price. They have still got a lot to do to catch up with the bigger nations like Spain.”
Parlour made 10 appearances for England after playing once for England B, and the 40-year-old came out of retirement to play for Wembley in the club’s FA Cup fixtures last year. The former Arsenal midfielder won the Premier League three times with the Gunners, as well as four FA Cups, three Community Shields and a League Cup.
See what the expert tipsters at OLBG are tipping on Arsenal v Norwich
