EXCLUSIVE: Former England International Wayne Bridge Debunks Golden Generation Myth: "People Forget How Good The Other Teams Were"
England kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, and few people know what it feels like to be in a major tournament as a Three Lions player better than Wayne Bridge.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City left back won 36 caps for England, representing his country at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Now watching from the outside as a pundit, he spoke exclusively to Freebets.com ahead of Wednesday's opener, giving his verdict on Thomas Tuchel's squad, the players he's most excited to watch, and what it will really take for England to go all the way.
Here's what he had to say, annd don't forget to check out the best World Cup free bets.
WAYNE BRIDGE'S WORLD CUP SPECIAL
THE SQUAD: TOGETHER IS THE WORD
Before looking ahead to Croatia, Wayne is keen to give Tuchel's selection process its dues — even if a couple of big names have been left at home.
"I just think the squad itself is a good squad. It's a big squad and it looks like a squad that's together. The subs are going to be really important, the ones that come on to make an impact. Because it's so hot out there, I think the impact substitutions are going to be massive."
On the notable omissions of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, he sees both sides of the argument.
"I was like every other fan, probably a Chelsea fan or a Cole Palmer fan, when he was scoring those goals, going 'why the hell is he not starting?' But it has been a tough season for him. Would I have taken him? I was swaying towards yes. But it's such a hard job and football is just full of opinions. Cole Palmer probably would have sneaked it in, I probably would have taken him, if I'm honest."
THE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Wayne has two wide players at the top of his list for the tournament, and is refreshingly direct about why.
"My favourite two players, if they can have a good tournament, would be Gordon and Rashford. You want your wide players to be direct, exciting, getting at players. Those two have the potential to have a really good tournament. They're really quick, they've got great quality. I'd just be giving them the ball and encouraging them, keep going, keep going. They're just dangerous players."
In midfield, he sees a star in the making in Elliot Anderson.
"He could have a real big impact playing alongside Declan Rice. But he's also one of those players that could actually outshine Rice. He's got the ability to. It's his first senior tournament, and if it goes well for him, a lot of people will be talking about him."
Then there is the player Wayne describes as one of his favourites of the entire season: Nico O'Reilly.
"I loved him ever since he came onto the scene. He started as a midfielder but slotted into full-back really well. He ends up in positions where he's in the box, he's a big lad, he's comfortable on the ball whatever position he's in. You just hope the way England play is going to be very different to Man City, but I think he can cope in any scenario. This could be one of those tournaments where he really announces himself on the football stage."
REECE JAMES: THE BEST RIGHT BACK IN THE WORLD?
Wayne does not hesitate when asked about Chelsea captain Reece James.
"He's good, like, really good. Everyone who comes across him says just how good he is. He's up there with one of the best right backs in the world. Strong, great on the ball, quick, powerful, he can defend, he can attack. I don't think some people will realise just how good he is unless they train with him week in, week out. He's been brilliant for Chelsea and he's loved there."
SAKA'S FITNESS AND THE CROATIA DILEMMA
One of the most discussed selection issues ahead of Wednesday is Bukayo Saka's Achilles injury. Wayne addresses it head on.
"I'd probably expect him to start, but medically he's going to have to be assessed. You've got options — Noni Madueke, Rashford, Gordon. As important as Saka is, I think we've got enough in the squad that if he can't and shouldn't play, then he shouldn't. Wayne Rooney was just a different breed in terms of what he would put his body through. But I'm sure they're not going to be stupid. On the biggest stage, you want to make sure you've got someone who's not going to hinder the team or hinder themselves."
THE GOLDEN GENERATION COMPARISON
It is a comparison Wayne has heard a thousand times, but he is thoughtful in his response.
"People forget how good the other teams were. You look at the Brazil team they had — as much as Brazil had all that flair, they had a lot of fight and a great work rate. Cafu was amazing. Look at the England team now and the France team now — which would you rather have? It could sway more towards France. We sometimes look at a team and go, oh my God, they're unbelievable — but there are also some very good teams out there. It's tournament football. Anything can happen."
WHAT MAKES THIS SQUAD DIFFERENT?
For Wayne, the biggest challenge England face is not on the pitch.
"Mate, every game's going to be a challenge. I think the biggest challenge for an England player could be the press from outside, especially if it's negative. The big difference between this group and the so-called golden generation is they just seem so much more together. I think the mental side of the game is massive at a World Cup. Massive. If they can forget about any outside noise and just concentrate on what's happening inside the camp, they've got a chance."
HOW FAR CAN ENGLAND GO?
Push him for a prediction and Wayne gives the most honest answer he can.
"Do you know, my natural response if I've sat down having a pint with my mates is: we could be absolute dog, do nothing, or we could go on and win it. That is literally my response — because that is tournament football. It could go all the way and win it, or it could go very wrong. That's my honest response."
MOROCCO, BOUADDI, AND THE DARK HORSE WAYNE CAN'T IGNORE
Looking beyond England, Wayne has been genuinely impressed by one team and one player in particular.
"Brazil v Morocco was the standout game for me. Morocco went at them, went toe to toe. Ayyoub Bouaddi, I was on our podcast with a young guy who spots young players, and he picked him out as one to watch. He had a really, really good game. He's 18, French-born, and looked really good. There could end up being a lot of interest in him after this World Cup."
His overall pick to win the tournament may raise a few eyebrows at home.
"If I had to pick one, I'd probably pick France on paper. It wouldn't surprise me if there are some surprises, Morocco are dangerous, Japan as a dark horse. But if I had to pick one, I'd be picking France. Sadly I'm not picking England, but I'd love to see them go all the way."
FLASHBACK: RONALDINHO, JOE COLE AND THE MOMENTS THAT STAY WITH YOU
Ask Wayne about his standout World Cup memories and two moments come straight to the surface.
"The standout moment for me was the kickoff of the very first game in Japan. Just as the referee blows the whistle, it was like a fireworks show in the stadium. Every single person was taking a picture and the flash went off all at once. I was just like, wow."
But it is a moment of individual genius, against England, that perhaps stays with him most.
"Ronaldinho was running at Ashley Cole and did this little step over and shimmy, made Ashley stumble. You think, someone's just done that to Ashley Cole? And two seconds later, he squared it to Rivaldo who put it in the bottom corner. Kieran Dyer next to me stood up, and then had to sit down very awkwardly. Sometimes you just have to appreciate beautiful football."
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