England can win World Cup, says del Bosque

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MADRID, Feb 26, 2010 (AFP) - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes that Fabio Capello's England side are one of the favorites to win this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

"We know there are other strong teams in Europe, the Americas and in Africa and all can be champions," the 59-year-old former Real Madrid coach said in an interview with AFP on Friday.

"In theory, it's Argentina and Brazil for the Americas, in Europe it's Italy, Germany and England and ourselves, but there are also some African countries who could make life difficult."

France, who only qualified after a controversial play-off victory against Ireland, are also "a candidate for the title," he added.

Del Bosque's men will play Raymond Domenech's side in a friendly in Paris on Wednesday as they prepare for the World Cup campaign.

"We have our own identity, our style of play, and we're not going to change much. But each match has a story. And I don't think that we'll always have the initiative against a strong team such as France," del Bosque said.

Spain play Chile, Honduras and Switzerland in Group H. They could then face Brazil, Portugal or Ivory Coast in the last 16.

Del Bosque believes other teams to watch include Serbia, who will travel to South Africa "without any pressure," Ivory Coast and Algeria, who are in England's group along with the United States and Slovenia.

Del Bosque took over from Luis Aragones after Spain won the Euro 2008 title. His side have lost just one game since then, against the United States in the Confederations Cup last year.

He said being amid the World Cup favourites is a "handicap" for Spain.

"We must be aware of who we are, not underestimate our opponents," he said.

"Thinking that we are the strongest is obviously stupid because we know that this competition demands concentration and humility if you are to win against any team."

The World Cup will be held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11.