EXCLUSIVE: Wes Brown confident about England's World Cup chances but surprised by omissions

England, seeking to end 60 years of hurt, get their World Cup campaign underway against Croatia in Dallas before they clash against Ghana and finally Panama in Group L.

Managed by Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions are firm favourites to finish top of the group and dive deep into the competition as pundits pit them against the likes of France, Portugal, Spain and Argentina.

With eight played, eight won, 22 goals scored and none conceded during qualifying for the tournament, England have proven they can be relentless when they need to be as they seek to transfer such form to the World Cup.

Speaking to Tribal Football thanks to Compare.bet, who offer the latest Betting Sites, Brown spoke on captain Harry Kane and the world-class talents Tuchel decided weren't good enough for a 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 consider him to be the best striker on the planet? 

"Harry Kane is crucial for England. He’s just getting better and better with age, with his composure, his intelligence, and I think since becoming captain, it’s pushed him to do even better. If I’m being honest, if he wasn’t English, I’m not sure who would step up to replace him.

"The most important thing is Kane is enjoying it. He sees things other people don’t. I’ve played against Harry, and at first, I was thinking he’s not going to be difficult for me to mark out of the game, but he scored, because his intelligence is unbelievable. He doesn’t do crazy runs, doesn’t do anything stupid, because he doesn’t need to do anything like that.

"I wouldn’t call him a target man. He’s not going to battle it out at the top in the air. You wouldn’t play it to him down the sides. He’s not going to spin down the wings and cause a problem there. He’s not going to throw 10 step overs at you and take you on. It’s just pure intelligence and skill. He’ll take a touch to the side and shoot because he knows what he’s doing, whether to go through your legs or find the angle he needs. He knows where the goalkeeper is, always. 

"He makes it look all so simple, and he deserves absolute credit for the career he’s built, where he’s come from, and how he just keeps improving over time."

What are your thoughts on Palmer, Foden, Maguire etc being left out? Was that the right decision from Tuchel?

"Thomas Tuchel has called some big shots, hasn’t he? On Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire. I would have thought, the way Harry’s played this season, he’d be sure to go, but Tuchel named his squad, and you think, OK, that’s different, and I hope they play well because he’s left some really crucial players out, and players who can turn games for you with the talent they’ve got."

England to keep their foot on the gas

Croatia are England's toughest opponent in Group L, so a win would set the tone for the rest of the group stage as qualification would be almost certain for Tuchel's side, who will want nothing less than to go all the way this summer.

Brown believes that England must sincerely believe they can end their 60-year trophyless spell if they are to make history, and that Tuchel will understand they must remain absolutely relentless even if three points are picked up in the first test.

What gives you confidence about England's chances at lifting the World Cup? 

"I think first of all, the team has to believe in themselves with the talent that's got them there, and I think Thomas Tuchel has stuck with the team that’s got him there in the first place. He believes in them, and you have to trust in that. 

"Maybe the squad choices are the changes we needed. He's gone to players who he thinks are playing well or have played well for him and understands what he wants, and you've got to have faith in that."

England are the favourites to win their group, do you think they might take their foot off the gas if they pick up a win in the first game?

"Will England take their foot off the gas if they beat Croatia? Not at all.

"You have to start well, and there are good players in the England squad who have been to tournaments and know what is required. You need to get the confidence going, and the manager needs to use his bench to bring subs on and get them introduced to games and ready to perform too.

"I don't think anybody will take it lightly or step off or ease into games. I think the manager will want them to go into every match in full force, and I think all the players want to play well as well. They won’t be easing themselves into a World Cup tournament."