Alexis Sanchez states the obvious

Chile forward Alexis Sanchez has criticised the football culture in England and suggested Roy Hodgson’s side have no chance of glory in next year’s World Cup.

Sanchez was paraded in front of the assembled media ahead of England’s friendly against Chile at Wembley on Friday evening.

The Barcelona forward compared his own rise to the top of the football tree from humble beginnings in Chile, with those of his pampered English counterparts.

“We are a tougher team than England,” he said. “The problem for teams like England is that everything is so easy for them. They join these academies at maybe 10 or 11 years old and everything is done for them.

“I used to wash cars for such little money just so I had enough money to buy my football boots. When you are at academies like Manchester United and Arsenal then everything is just given to you.

“If I had failed I would be working 15-hour days on construction sites and still not be earning enough to live. Football saved me, and I don’t think any England players could say that.”

Are young English players pampered? Possibly. But that doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t have to earn a living outside of the game, if they had failed to make the grade.

The 24-year-old also cast doubt on England’s hopes of victory in next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

“I don’t think England can win the World Cup,” he said. “They have some very good players but are probably not at the level where they can beat the best.

“It will be very hard for any team outside of South America to win in Brazil, but if two teams have a chance then it is Spain and Germany. Their teams are exceptional.

“We have to believe that Chile has a chance. It is not a home tournament but we must take advantage of it being in South America. We will not have to adjust to the conditions as much as other nations.”