The 32: England are set for the World Cup final says Clive Allen

Clive Allen gave England a massive lift ahead of Sunday’s big game with Panama – telling ‘The 32’ that Gareth Southgate’s side are going to make the final.

The former Three Lions striker, speaking as a guest on Yahoo’s latest daily World Cup show, says England are have a great chance to get the furthest they have done since 1966.

Southgate’s side will qualify for the last 16 with victory this afternoon in Nizhny.

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Allen reckons it matters little if England finish second to Belgium in Group G – and that Southgate giving Raheem Sterling another chance against Panama is the right decision.

“England have a fantastic chance this time,” he said. “I can see us going very deep into the competition this year, very deep.

“I think we are going to be finalists, we are going to have a very successful World Cup.

“I think the way it’s unfolding, with Belgium winning so well on Saturday, that England will probably finish second in the group.

“But with the way things are looking, that could actually not be be a bad thing.

“Sterling should start for me. We do need someone alongside Harry Kane to add some goals and I think that could be him once he finds that first one.

“If he gets a goal it could change things for him and for England. He’s a top player.

“I hope Ruben Loftus-Cheek comes in if Dele Alli doesn’t make it. He showed in the warm up games he has the quality, and did again when he came on in the opening match with Tunisia.”