Kompany tips England to surprise

Belgium captain Vincent Kompany has picked England as the team most likely to pull off a shock Euro 2012 triumph.

Saturday’s friendly against the Three Lions will be Roy Hodgson’s side’s final warm-up match before the tournament, with the new England boss having talked up the benefits of taking on quality opposition ahead of the opener against France on June 11.

Kompany in turn looked to England as potential threats in the championships.

“England are definitely my pick of the bunch as the surprise team at the Euros,” he said.

Belgium missed out on qualifying for the tournament after finishing behind Germany and Turkey in Group A, but the City defender explained that his side hope to do better ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

“I know I won’t be going to the Euros but we have such high ambitions for the World Cup,” he said.

“This game is an important start for us preparing. It is just as important for us as it is for England. If we can win it would cap the season for me.

“There is an incredible amount of talent. People call it the golden generation. I am not worried we are not appearing in the Euro 2012 tournament.

“The 2014 World Cup is our aim and I guarantee you that we have a generation which can stay together and rule for the next 10 years.

“Don’t judge us now, judge us over the next few years.”

Kompany added: “When I finished the season on a high with City I realised that four years ago I was the only player from Belgium in the Premier League.

“Now there is an invasion of the best Belgians.

“At City I am one of the youngest players. With Belgium I am one of the oldest players. That says it all.

“I’m convinced that Marouane Fellaini(Everton)and Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal) have played a big part in that. They paved the way and put Belgium football in the limelight.

“I know Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea still has to make the big step, but there are enough signs that he will make a big impact.

“The fact a big club like Chelsea have bought him at such a young age shows how much confidence they have in his talent.”

Both Lille attacker Eden Hazard, the Ligue 1 player of the season, and Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen, the Eredivisie player of the season, are expected to move to the Premier League this summer.