Pele tips England for glory

Pele believes England will do well

Brazil legend Pele has tipped England to shine at Euro 2000.

In an interview with Spanish sports daily Marca, the three-time World Cup winner named England, Spain and Holland as his favourites for European glory.

"I've got great respect for England despite the fact that they have never won the European title," Pele explained.

"But they have got pride, which has been there since the start of the history of football.

"During the World Cup in France, there emerged a great pool of talented English players."

Constant threat

Pele added that Real Madrid's Steve McManaman could be the key to Kevin Keegan's success.

"He's one of the players that has most impressed me. He's got great energy, great qualities and is a constant threat to defences."

He also dismissed the chances of reigning European champions Germany.

"They are just too old," he said.

Pele: McManaman will be vital for England

"In four years they have lost guys like (Matthias) Sammer and (Juergen) Klinsmann.

"They have both retired. Maybe Oliver Bierhoff can keep things going but this team is a little weak."

With Spanish club football having dominated the Champions League this season, Pele also suggested that Jose Antonio Camancho's side may shake off the stagefright that past Spanish sides have suffered from in major tournaments.

"Spanish soccer is the best in Europe at the moment, We should not forget they had three teams in the Champions League semifinals - the national team will gain a lot of confidence from the success of these clubs."

Reservations

Pele also added that he admired the way the Dutch have played football and that they stand a strong chance of winning this time round.

"Since the days of Johan Cruyff I've always enjoyed Dutch football and their coach Frank Rijkaard comes straight out of the same school."

But he revealed reservations about Rijkaard's team selection.

"My worry is that he has included Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf in the midfield and Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp in attack. This does not seem like the way to win games."