"Germany," Williams told journalists when asked who will win the tournament.

He added that he hoped to see 1966 champions England again claim the World Cup title in his lifetime but did not expect much from Gareth Southgate's squad at this summer's tournament.

"I expect for England to score first in their group game, and the whole country to go 'Yes! We’re gonna win this!' And then, in the second half, the other team will score two goals, and we’ll all be hugely disappointed. As an English fan you’re just hugely disappointed all of the time," Williams said.

The World Cup kicks off in Moscow on Thursday, with Williams set to perform with Russian opera singer Aida Garifullina at the opening ceremony.

The World Cup will be held in 11 Russian cities from June 14 to July 15. England will face Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G.