UEFA's Aigner tips England for World Cup

Uefa chief executive Gerhard Aigner claims England have more chance of winning the World Cup than his own Germany.

Aigner dismissed his fellow countrymen as "not a good team" as he reflected on a spectacular start to the competition, which has left just four European nations in the last eight.

And he also launched a broadside at world governing body Fifa for introducing new laws before the tournament which he claims led directly to the shock elimination of Italy at the hands of hosts South Korea.

Aigner was speaking at the official ceremony for the handing over of bid documents to stage the 2008 European Championships.

He admitted Wednesday's events in Switzerland had been squeezed in between World Cup rounds, but also confirmed the competition was now the third biggest sporting event in the world.

However, by the time the next event is held in Portugal in two years' time, Aigner believes England, who face favourites Brazil in the quarter-finals on Friday, could be world champions.

"In virtually every year before this I would have said Germany had more chance, but not now," he said.

"England have done very well so far and if they can beat Brazil they will have a great opportunity.

"Even though they are still in the competition, Germany are not a very good team. They keep fighting to the end and are obviously still in it, but the other teams would have to look at themselves if Germany win it."