Dario discusses England before crucial Euro 2016 tie with Wales.
Dario Gradi has revealed to the club’s official web-site that he believes England could still enjoy a successful European Championships in France, but that we lack a real world class forward who could make all the difference.
The club’s director of football has backed his old friend Roy Hodgson to bring success to the country by reaching the latter stages of the tournament - but Dario feels we may just lack that world class talent to take England all the way.
Dario told the club’s official web-site: “I was born in Italy but I have always felt English. I moved when I was young and I have always been English.
“England could do well and they might. It could go either way once you get to those knockout stages and the margin is very thin between the teams. If we can build some momentum and have that little bit of luck then who knows?
“I look at the England team and they have some very good players. Dele Alli can win a game. On his day he could be that skilful match winner and we have some very good players, but do we have that really world class player?
“I don’t think we have that top class striker, who can take you all the way through. When I mean world class, I am talking about Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Suarez… those types.
“Roy has taken the lad Rashford and he had a great second half of the season at Manchester United. He came from nowhere really and has taken his chance. Roy would have seen something in the lad and it is good that he has taken him.
“Pele played in the World Cup at 17, so you never know what these young lads can bring you until you give them that opportunity. I hope he does well.”