Ronadlo backs England

The £80million Real Madrid star was last night pipped to the FIFA World Player of the Year gong by Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Ronaldo said: "In my opinion, England have a fantastic team, they had a great qualification campaign.

"They have a good coach and have every opportunity to do a great job in South Africa."

The former Manchester United star, 24, will always be remembered for his infamous wink towards the Portugal bench after Wayne Rooney was sent off in Germany 2006. Portugal ended 10-man England's World Cup dream in a quarter-final penalty shootout.

And Ronaldo added: "It's not just England, Spain are really strong as well and Brazil are always there. Portugal also have their chances. At Euro 2004 nobody spoke about Greece and they won the tournament. You never know.

"I look forward to having a great World Cup and I'm really focused."

Ronaldo refused to be drawn on Ryan Giggs' view that United do not miss the Portugal ace - despite suffering five League losses already.

He said: "Well, I think United are doing very well this season. It's his opinion."