Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen believes England will reach the World Cup final.

The Rovers and New Zealand captain, currently back in his home land preparing for the big competition, believes that the conditions could play into England's hands and has tipped them for their first final appearance since 1966.

"I just think it's England's time," said the Rovers defender.

"My final is England-Spain or England-Brazil. Everyone laughs at me when I say it.

"The tournament is going to be played in winter, it could be wet, and they're conditions that England thrive in.

"Every other World Cup has been played in hot, humid conditions and England notoriously aren't very good in it.

"They're my dark horses to win it. I really hope England go all the way. Because I live there and have a lot of English friends I'd like them to do well."