Nabil Maaloul believes that England are a completely different proposition from the side humiliated by Iceland at Euro 2016.
‘I was at the stadium for the England versus Iceland game, I think more than 70 per cent of players have changed since then,’ he said. ‘There is a new team that we are seeing. The current English team are much stronger than 2016.
‘I think, sincerely, England can win the World Cup.’
On his team’s own chances, the 55-year-old added: ‘Our aim is to go beyond the group stage and into the last 16, or even the quarter-finals. I think we are well equipped to play well in this group.’