Former England and Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand has predicted FIFA World Cup defending champions Germany to be the strongest team in Russia.

Ferdinand says the Germans are always tough to beat in the World Cup and they will be in one of the teams qualifying to the semi-finals.

“My tip for this tournament in Germany. I just think they got a great blend of experience and youth. They won the Confederations Cup as well recently with a young squad so they have got focus already on the World Cup. I’m putting them as my favourites. It is going to be close and they will be there in the top four.”

Ferdinand was part of the England side from 1997 to 2011.