Harry Kane Gareth Southgate England World Cup 2018

'Sir Harry Kane? You're joking!' - Barton rubbishes idea of England World Cup win

Joey Barton insists he never wants to see England win the World Cup, as it would lead to a rash of knighthoods!

The Three Lions threatened to end 52 years of hurt in Russia over the summer, reaching the semi-finals of the tournament, where they lost to Croatia.

Kieran Trippier's free-kick in the last four encounter gave Gareth Southgate's men the lead, but they could not see the game out, eventually losing in extra time.

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And Fleetwood Town boss Barton, who won just one England cap, believes that many fans would rather taste club success than see their country lift the biggest prize in international football, himself included.

Asked if he would ever move into international management by L'Equipe, Barton said: "No. I dream of winning big titles with the big clubs but not as an international manager.

"If you ask a Liverpool supporter: 'Would you prefer Liverpool to be champions or England to be world champions?' They would say Liverpool. And if you win the World Cup, you get a title! That would annoy me.

"You win a football match and you're a knight! Sir Harry Kane? You're joking! There are more important things."

Barton was also underwhelmed by England's performance in Russia, insisting they beat "no one".

Indeed, the Three Lions defeated Tunisia and Panama in the group stages, drew with Belgium and then beat Colombia and Sweden before their eventual elimination. Defeat to Belgium in the third-placed play-off meant they replicated their 1990 campaign by finishing fourth.

"Don't get me started," Barton said when asked about the tournament. "They beat no one and ended up in the semi-finals without anyone understanding how.

"But everyone was happy. In this country, nobody sees things rationally. It's worrying."

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