EXCLUSIVE: Former England striker Malcolm Macdonald has had his say on the Three Lions’ chances of winning the World Cup 2026 as they prepare for their second group game in the competition
Malcolm Macdonald spoke of England and Harry Kane’s chances(Image: Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
A former England striker has made an honest assessment of the Three Lions’ chance after their opening game victory. Malcolm Macdonald, also known as Super Mac, was impressed with how Thomas Tuchel’s men took to Croatia on Wednesday night in their 4 – 2 victory in Dallas before heading to the Boston Stadium to face Ghana.
But he is not convinced the group has what it takes to finally lift the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time in 60 years. Macdonald, 76, said he would “love” football to come home, but he can’t see it happening. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, the striker, who bagged six goals in 14 England caps in the 70s, Macdonald added: “I don’t think so (England winning the World Cup).
“To me, a successful tournament would be a semi final if they could get there. But I have a feeling that there are better sides, albeit there’s been some really strange results.”
Speaking of the opener against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium, the former Newcastle United legend admitted he felt Zlatko Dalić’s men were actually the better footballing side at time, but England had the “priceless” ability to score goals.
And that is something Macdonald is more than capable of. During his spell at St James’ Park, Super Mac put himself into the legend category in the black and white number nine jersey. He bagged 95 goals in 187 appearances for the Toon Army before earning a move to Arsenal.
And when it comes to discussing fellow strikers, Macdonald is a huge fan of England’s captain Harry Kane. But despite breaking records, he still admits to having a certain level of frustration with the Bayern Munich man at times.
“He is [breaking records] but there are some times that I think why is he out of position? But he always gets there in the end, so yeah, he’s got a special ability.
“And of course it’s the hardest thing to do, scoring goals, but he has certainly got that ability, and he’s good for the team. He seems to be an excellent captain as well.”
The former footballer was speaking as he reminisced with residents about his heyday at Bay View House in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. The home, which specialises in care for dementia patients, welcomed the former England man the day after England kicked off their campaign.
And he said it is always a special occasion being able to talk about his past experiences and bring a bit of joy to people’s faces. “We’ve got loads in common, so I’m no stranger to them,” he said with a glint in his eye and a smile on his face.
It was clear the moment meant a lot to him, too. He went on: “We just start chatting with them and there’s always a sincerity and a warmth. It will be a lovely day.”
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