Beckenbauer, 60, won the World Cup as both a player and coach, after being part of the side beaten by England in the 1966 final at Wembley.

And he believes Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad can have a major impact.

"For me, England are still the best team in Europe," said the former Bayern Munich defender, who first lifted the World Cup in 1974.

"England's defence is excellent, and they had only one loss in qualification.

"It would be great for them to win it 40 years after their last one."

However, the former German boss feels the current holders have the strongest chance of defending their crown.

"My personal top favourite is Brazil, they are full of world-class players and also impressed in the Confederations Cup," said Beckenbauer, of England's potential semifinal opponents in Germany.

"But in 2002, I said France and Argentina were my favourites and both went home after the group stages!''

Beckenbauer feels the fact Eriksson is leaving will not harm England's chances - a fact born out by the announcement of his decision, in November 1989, that he would leave after the World Cup in Italy the following summer.

"It is not a usual situation to announce before the World Cup a coach is leaving after, but I do not see any problem," he said.

"The players are playing for themselves and the team, they are not playing for the coach. They do not care who is manager."

As to the chances of his own country, now under the guidance of former Tottenham striker Jurgen Klinsmann, Beckenbauer said: "It is a young team, and I am really curious how they are doing.

"Two years of exhibition games are easy, but to play a World Cup is tremendous pressure - and can the young players take this?"