Cannes Film Festival 2010
Russell Crowe has tipped England as possible World Cup winners, provided they get a decent strike partner for Wayne Rooney.

Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe are the first to pose on the red carpet at Cannes 2010

 The Australian actor shared his thoughts on England's prospects during a press conference for Robin Hood at the Cannes Film Festival.

“I'm really looking forward to the World Cup,” he said. “I believe maybe Spain, maybe Brazil… Portugal have a great opportunity if Cristiano Ronaldo is on form.

“England always come up with a good team but there’s maybe a defence issue there, maybe a goalie issue. And Wayne Rooney – who’s going to partner him up front? Beckham’s injured of course, so will be sitting it out.

“And all, of course, have no chance against a resurgent Australian team.”

Crowe, who owns the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team in Australia, paid a visit to Real Madrid during a recent trip to Spain.

“I have a team so looking at the facilities of other great organisations is always interesting,” he said.

“I actually did meet the players from Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo is a really nice chap. I was really pleased to meet him. He's probably in the handful of the greatest players to play the game.

“It was a slightly embarrassing situation because in La Liga I'm a Barcelona fan and I didn't hesitate to tell each individual, ‘Hi, mate, how are you? I'm a Barcelona fan.”