'A European team, hopefully England, will triumph in Germany'

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) ''England have an outside chance in the World Cup in Germany.'' One can ignore the statement as an over-optimistic remark from a typical chest-thumping and infamously rowdy English fan under the influence of a couple of cans of beer.

Do that on your peril because the observation comes straight from a man who was a part of the England side which finished third at the Italia-1990 -- former Liverpool and Everton Captain Steve McMahon.

The inspirational mid-fielder, who used to enthrall the spectators at Goodison Park before guiding rivals, the Reds, to many triumphs in the 80s, is now in India all set to delight 'Desi' fans with a wit equally incisive as his game.

''I mean look at the players we've got. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Stephen Gerrard (Liv) and John Terry (Chelsea). And then the likes of Joe Cole and others. England really have a chance,'' he said and added, ''Don't discount the Italians. They are masters at playing big competitions. A European team is going to triumph this time.'' He also handpicked Lionel Messi (Argentina and Barcelona), Robinho (Brazil and Real Madrid) and Fabregas (Spain and Arsenal) as the players to be watched in the tournament.

On whether players' interest dwindled as there was little money in the World Cup as compared to the club football, Steve begged to differ.

''You grow as a footballer to represent your nation in the World Cup. It is the pinnacle of your career. Like in cricket, a player from India dreams of playing in an India-Pak match,'' he said.

''My best moment in my career was when I represented England and we won the bronze medal in the Italia'90,'' he added.

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