Former England striker Gary Lineker has named Spain and France as the main favorites to win the World Cup this summer, relegating England to a secondary position.

Lineker, the top scorer of the 1986 World Cup, expressed his opinions on 'The Rest is Football' podcast.

Manager Thomas Tuchel will attempt to lead England to their second World Cup trophy and the first in 60 years, when the 'Three Lions' travel to the United States.

Lineker views England as 'one of the frontrunners', but insists they are behind Spain and France in the pecking order.

Spain goes into the World Cup as European champions, having beaten England in the Euro 2024 final. France, meanwhile, won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final four years later.

Lineker mentioned: 'Spain have to be the team to beat'.

Former England player Micah Richards added: 'I would always back England, especially with the players they have available'.

Richards noted that the concern could be the climate, as players from Spain, Italy and France usually play in more favorable climates.

England will begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia. Ghana and Panama are the other two teams in Group L.

In their final international break before the World Cup, a much-changed England team drew 1-1 with Uruguay on Friday.

Tuchel's side face Japan in another friendly on Tuesday.

Confidence is high that England can challenge again under Champions League-winning manager Tuchel, who has players like record goalscorer Harry Kane and Premier League Player of the Year contender Declan Rice at his disposal.

Lineker commented: 'France have got a hell of a squad, haven't they? They have an amazing squad, but I'm going to go with Spain'.

'I think they could do a repeat of what they did a decade or so ago and win consecutive tournaments. I mean, they've got some players, Spain'.

He also mentioned Portugal as a 'good outside bet'. Also, he did not rule out Argentina and even Brazil.