Exclusive: Wes Brown Confident About England's World Cup Prospects but Taken Aback by Omissions

England, aiming to end 60 years of hurt, begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas, followed by matches against Ghana and finally Panama in Group L.

Under the management of Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions are strong favourites to top their group and progress far in the tournament, with pundits comparing them to sides like France, Portugal, Spain and Argentina.

Having played eight qualifiers, winning all eight, scoring 22 goals and conceding none, England have demonstrated their ability to be ruthless when necessary as they aim to replicate that form at the World Cup.

Speaking to Tribal Football courtesy of Compare.bet, which provides the latest Betting Sites, Brown discussed captain Harry Kane and the world-class talents that Tuchel deemed not good enough for the trip across the pond.

Harry Kane: The Key to Success

Kane scored 61 goals this season. How crucial will he be for Tuchel, and would you regard him as the best striker in the world?

"Harry Kane is essential for England. He just keeps improving with age, through his composure and intelligence, and since becoming captain, I believe it has motivated him to achieve even more. To be honest, if he weren't English, I'm not certain who could step in to replace him.

"The most important thing is that Kane is enjoying his football. He perceives things that others cannot. I have played against Harry, and initially, I thought he would not be hard for me to mark out of the game, but he scored, because his intelligence is incredible. He does not make crazy runs or do anything foolish, because he does not need to.

"I would not call him a target man. He is not going to contest in the air at the highest level. You wouldn't play the ball to him out wide. He won't run down the wings and cause trouble there. He isn't going to do ten step-overs and take you on. It is sheer intelligence and skill. He will take a touch to the side and shoot because he knows exactly what he is doing, whether to thread it through your legs or find the angle he needs. He always knows where the goalkeeper is.

"He makes everything look so effortless, and he deserves full credit for the career he has built, where he has come from, and how he just continues to improve over time."

What are your thoughts on Palmer, Foden, Maguire and others being omitted? Was that the correct decision by Tuchel?

"Thomas Tuchel has made some bold decisions, hasn't he? Regarding Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire. I would have thought, given how Harry has played this season, he would definitely be included, but Tuchel announced his squad, and you think, okay, that is different, and I hope they perform well because he has left out some really key players, players who can change games with the talent they possess."

England to Maintain Momentum

Croatia represent England's toughest challenge in Group L, so a victory would establish the tone for the remainder of the group stage, effectively securing qualification for Tuchel's side, who will settle for nothing less than winning the whole tournament this summer.

Brown believes that England must genuinely believe they can end their 60-year trophy drought if they are to make history, and that Tuchel will recognise they must stay utterly relentless even if they secure three points in the opening match.

What gives you confidence in England's prospects of winning the World Cup?

"I think first and foremost, the team must believe in themselves and the talent that brought them here, and I believe Thomas Tuchel has stayed loyal to the squad that got him here in the first place. He trusts them, and you have to have faith in that.

"Perhaps the squad selections are the changes we needed. He has chosen players who he believes are performing well or have performed well for him and who understand what he wants, and you must have faith in that."

England are favourites to win their group. Do you think they might ease off if they secure a victory in the first game?

"Will England ease off if they beat Croatia? Not at all.

"You have to start well, and there are quality players in the England squad who have experience in tournaments and understand what is required. You need to build momentum, and the manager must utilise his bench to bring on substitutes, integrate them into matches, and ensure they are ready to perform as well.

"I do not think anyone will take it lightly, step off, or ease into games. I believe the manager will demand that they approach every match at full intensity, and I think all the players also want to perform well. They will not be easing themselves into a World Cup tournament."