Published: 29 Jun 2026 | Updated: 30 Jun 2026
Speaking exclusively with Prime Casino, former Manchester United and England defender has given his thoughts on the World Cup, Premier League, transfer window and more.
Brown has discussed Reece James’ injury concerns under Thomas Tuchel and backed Cristiano Ronaldo to go on to prove his doubters wrong by lifting the trophy this summer.
Other topics include Ayyoub Bouaddi’s links to Old Trafford and whether Michael Carrick would welcome Marcus Rashford back to the club next season.
Q: Reaction to England vs Panama and the group stage as a whole, do you see winners in Thomas Tuchel’s England?
“Everyone knew we were going to get through. We played okay, but I think we can play a lot better than that. Other teams have set up defensively against us, especially Ghana, breaking down the attacks a lot.
“However, I still think we've got the players to get us goals and to create chances. I feel that we haven't reached our peak yet. There's still a bit more to go. Hopefully, we don't get any more injuries. It hasn't been great, but at the same time, we're through, and that's all you can hope for at this stage.”
Q: Reece James injury blow, is that a huge blow to England’s chances of winning it?
“Reece James being injured is a major problem. Reece James is a great player and without cover, the manager is going to have to adjust and adapt fast.
“It might not necessarily mean playing a different formation, but someone is really going to have to step up. Jarell Quansah filled in. He isn't a natural right-back, and you can see that.
“They have different qualities, he's still a good defender, but the actual presence that Reece has on the pitch with his quality going forward is definitely going to be missed. It's going to be tough.
“We need him for the big games, but will he even be back in time? He's been playing all season, and now we're struggling a little bit. Other players have to step up.
“There were a few options the manager could have taken before the tournament started, but he didn't go with them. Now, people are going to have to fill those roles.”
Q: Has Thomas Tuchel’s snubbing of Trent Alexander-Arnold now backfired?
“I think Trent should have been there anyway, but he's not, so there's no point dwelling on it. The job now is to cover for James. Even if it's someone filling in to a standard where they are doing the right job and maybe not expressing themselves as much elsewhere, it's going to be a tough one because we know Trent's quality and what he's capable of.
“Obviously, defensively we've got players that can cover, but with how we've played, we need someone who can open up the defense as well. Trent would have been perfect for that.
“But Tuchel will stick to his guns. You can't predict injuries at all. That's the team he chose, so he's going to stick with it. I've always said that's fair enough; that's his choice.
“When something like this happens, he really has to get whoever comes in to play well. As I said, no one can predict that, it's very unlucky. Now it's about who can do the best job to fill in. He's got to stick to his guns.
“Personally, I still think one of the two out of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer should have gone, even if they weren't playing their best, because I feel they are our best attacking options.
“They have the best technique and are players that can open up defenses. But listen, he's going to stick with his squad, and I respect that. I'm just hoping now that whoever comes in steps up.”
Q: Who would you like to see at right-back?
“John Stones at right-back? He hasn't been fit all season either. The fullback positions are very demanding, you have to do a lot of running up and down. The center-back position is a little easier. It is hard to see who is going to fill that position since there's no natural player there now who normally plays that role. It's a tough one for the manager.
“He has the next four days to try and work that out, talk to the players, and see who he and his staff think is the most capable of doing it. Someone will be able to do it, but to Reece James' quality? Probably not.
“Anthony Gordon? No. He's not a natural defender. What I mean by that is he doesn't see the danger in the same way. It doesn't matter if you're fast, he's not used to doing that, so I wouldn't put him there.”
Q: Assuming everyone is fit, what would be your starting centre-back pairing?
“I don't mind Marc Guehi or Ezri Konsa, it's almost like-for-like, though I think John Stones is a bit different, but Stones is the one who hasn't played as much, so you have to see how match-fit he is, especially with only four or five days between games.
“I do think Stones will play the next one. Probably alongside Marc Guehi. It will be interesting to see. It hasn't been plain sailing, but at the same time, we're through. We just have to try and keep getting better and better.”
Q: Which wingers do you want to see start against DR Congo?
“I would start with Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka. At the same time, I think the players are like-for-like in that sense, and you have to play the ones that are performing better.
“We started with Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, who were okay and didn't do anything wrong, but when you bring the substitutes on, I thought they really opened things up with fresh legs. For me, I would start Rashford and Saka.”
Q: Will the concerns about failing to break down Ghana be on the players’ minds as they head into the latter stages against the likes of DR Congo?
“Could DR Congo be a repeat of the Ghana game? I didn't think we struggled in the sense that they got lots of chances, I thought we were always in control of the play. However, Ghana did a really good job of slowing us down and not letting us get our pace up.
“They did try to break us down. I feel DR Congo will do something similar because of the reaction they saw from England.
“Everyone was behind the ball and we moved it a little bit slower. I'm pretty sure the manager will work on that. There will be areas he can work on for when teams just drop off and hold nine players behind the ball. There are certain ways you can break that down.
“I just feel on the day we weren't ready for it; we were comfortable keeping the ball but not really getting it into areas that hurt them.
“Even then, we still should have won that game at the end. The best chances fell to Harry Kane and Nico O'Riley. I still think we should have won it. Those are the big chances in big competitions that you have to put away. I feel the next game will be similar, and we now have to find a way to break them down.”
Q: What is your prediction for England vs DR Congo?
“I've been predicting 3-0 or 4-0 for every game, but I actually think this will be tight. DR Congo are not a poor side, they've done well and grown into the World Cup. They'll be delighted to be through to the last 32. There are no easy games.
“Just because we're England and we've got these players doesn't mean we can say we're going to win easily. That's not what happens in the World Cup. We have to stay focused and play to the pattern the manager wants. I’d say 1-0 here.”
Q: Just how tough will it be to play Mexico in Mexico City?
“England vs Mexico? The home team will have the crowd behind them, and they've been very noisy. Most of the players have played in arenas like that and are used to the noise. You have to go in there as a team and stay together.
“If you can ignore the atmosphere, then you could have a good night. This Mexico team is sharp at the moment, and they have the backing of the home crowd.
“You have to be careful, but again, it's not a team you can't beat. If you put the atmosphere to one side and look at the players, they have some good talent, but I would say our team is better on paper.”
Q: Is Kobbie Mainoo the perfect player to go and break sides down like Rice and Anderson cannot?
“Kobbie Mainoo can control a game. You've seen him get into good areas, work his way out of tight spots, and go and get himself a goal. He has that ability. It's a shame we haven't seen him for many minutes yet, but hopefully he's doing well in training and the manager puts him on at some point. He's a player that can open things up. He's done it for Manchester United this season.
“As a fan, I just would like to see him on the pitch, but at the moment the manager's not gone that way.
“He can be a surprise option. I don't think we've been at our best yet, but from the next game, you have to start getting there. It's as simple as that. We have to show a little bit more spark and energy. I thought we looked a touch nervous at times.
“At the same time, we have to be brave and play the ball into areas where you could lose it. Those balls and that braveness are what we need from some of the experienced players to really get us going.”
Q: What could Thomas Tuchel and England count as a good tournament?
“I'd want us to be fighting to take home the trophy. If you think you're going to win it, you go in as favorites. However, we are not the favorites, so I don't think you can be that disappointed.
“We just want to go as far as we can, give ourselves a chance, put the hard work in, and try to play well. I think everyone respects that.”
Q: Who has been the most impressive, surprise package at this World Cup?
“Norway have definitely been up there, and Erling Haaland has been exceptional. I also chose Japan as a team to watch last time, they are a very good side. They've had some tough games but managed to deal with everything. I still think France are favourites, and obviously you've got Brazil, Portugal, and Argentina, who have been good as well. There are some excellent teams here.
“We've seen them play really well at times. I'm just hoping if England get to that level, then we can start pushing on even more. I don't think we've reached the level some of the other teams have played at, but we're still through.
“It's been a really good tournament, though it was disappointing to see Scotland go out after conceding that third goal against Brazil. It's been good. The stadiums have been brilliant.”
Q: Do you think it matters that the coach isn't English - if we won the World Cup under a German, would it take the shine off it?
“I don't think the fans would care at all that the manager isn’t English. The world has changed. There would be no problem. Everyone would be ecstatic because it's something we haven't done for 60 years. That's not even an issue.
“We've had managers from all over the world. It would have been nice to win something with Gareth Southgate given where we finished in previous tournaments, but that's now in the past. It's Thomas Tuchel's time now and we respect that.”
Q: Matheus Cunha has been one of Brazil’s stars, can he fire them all the way to the final?
“Matheus Cunha has done well. He is very good at holding the ball and retaining possession to get the team up the pitch. He started off playing with Igor Thiago but with Cunha you could straight away see a good vibe with the other players.
“He has managed to get a couple of goals as well. That's the player he is, strong and smart. He's one of those players who is smart enough to try different things.
“The Brazilian team is very good with a lot of flair. Cunha knows Vinícius Júnior very well and knows what his strengths are. He's just doing what he does best.
“He hasn't been shy or nervous. I'm guessing that goes down to Carlo Ancelotti's influence as well, but he's been brilliant. If they go all the way, he will be vital to that.”
Q: What have you made of the criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo?
“Cristiano Ronaldo is absolutely brilliant. At 41, he is still doing the business. Cristiano gets a lot of stick, and I don't know why, for me, he's absolutely fantastic. If he gets a chance, he scores, it's as simple as that.
“I love watching him and I'm so pleased he's still playing. The criticism, he's heard it all before and he's proved everyone wrong before as well. He's used to this and he'll be flying again for the next game. He has broken so many records and he's still doing it. He will be trying his best to help the team get through to the later stages.
“I don't think he needs extra motivation, to be honest. If you want to score and play well, the World Cup is the biggest stage. You want to do well in these games, and he knows he's capable of it.
“It's something all players dream of winning, and it doesn't come around every year. It is definitely the big one to achieve. I know for a fact that it’s his dream and he will believe it can happen.”
Man Utd
Q: Are you pleased that Man Utd haven’t splashed £116m on Elliot Anderson?
“That is a lot of money. I like Elliot Anderson, he's energetic and gets around the pitch. But that is a significant amount, and I don't think many teams this season are going to compete with that. Fair play to Manchester City, but he is a player I would have loved to see at United. However, for that price, you have to be performing at a very high standard every game.
“City are able to do that, and it's good for the player. It's no one's fault, City are just the team that can go out and make those signings.”
Q: With the transfer window open, should Manchester United focus on building around homegrown talent such as Kobbie Mainoo?
“Not at all. I think every player who joins should be their own player. You want a player clever enough to work with others, but you also want to know what his individual strengths are. I don't think you buy a player just to compensate for another. The player has to earn his own respect on the pitch. A team has to work together to make things happen.
“At the moment, we are missing that type of player. Losing Casemiro was a massive loss for us, so we do need someone to fit into that role. We have younger lads in the youth team who can do it, but that experience isn't there yet. It's a position we really have to be looking at.”
Q: Would you like to see Man Utd taking a risk on Ayyoub Bouaddi?
“Young players like Ayyoub Bouaddi have really performed at the World Cup and you have to do more research and look at their club games. But I'd be in favour of him coming to Man Utd.
“At a World Cup, it's about how you react on the big stage and how you perform. I have no problem signing a player after the World Cup if they've shown they are capable of playing well. It's a tough challenge, both mentally and physically.
“If you play well in the World Cup, especially as a young player, a few clubs will come in for you. Then it's up to the player what he wants to do. You still want to be in the mix for these players to give yourself the opportunity to get them into the club as quickly as possible.”
Q: Could Man Utd having a clear gap in the team help sign Ayyoub Bouaddi?
“Having that clear place in the team could attract Bouaddi, 100%. Especially if he was the first signing. You have to look at how you're going to fit in as a team. If you are signed after a good World Cup, you'll have the chance to start or at least get a good few opportunities to show what you can do from the beginning of the season.
“Ultimately, you still have to perform on the pitch. If you're not playing well, you might sit out for a bit, and it might take more time to break into the team. But you would definitely think you have a great chance of starting.”
Q: Would you like to see Mateus Fernandes join Man Utd?
“I always think there are one or two worth bringing in from a relegated team like West Ham. Some players have always stood out. Even if teams go down, they can still have really good players. There are definitely players like Jarrod Bowen who are worth considering.
“Crysencio Summerville at Manchester United? I feel that if the price is right and considering his age, he is one you could see at a big club next year. If the right money is there for West Ham, it could happen.”
Q: Would you be disappointed to see Mason Mount move to AC Milan?
“I would love to see Mason Mount have a season where he's fully fit at Man Utd. Fans can see that when he gets a run of games, he starts playing well and shows what he can do. I'd like to see him stay one more season to see what he can really achieve.
“I don't necessarily want to see players leave, I just feel we need a few more additions. We need to see what we can do and where we can push now, not just in the league but in some of the big cup competitions as well.”
Q: What are realistic expectations for Michael Carrick and Manchester United next season after a great end to last season?
“The main thing is that Man Utd aren't going in as favorites, but given how Michael Carrick is and how we finished last year, we should be pushing to be a lot closer to the top positions.
“That's a great mindset. For instance, even if we finished third last year, regardless of how we got there, third is third. Your next goal is looking up and wanting to be higher.
“That is how you have to mentally approach the season. I'm sure Michael will do that as well, he'll want to push for first or second and really put the pressure on. When he came in, you could see the wins and the points he picked up. And here we're looking to repeat that.”
Q: Will Bruno Fernandes still be the big star in this Man Utd side?
“Bruno Fernandes is the main man by far at Man Utd. He's a guy who loves the club, he assists, he scores, and he's probably the fittest player for his age. He plays every game, rarely misses, and opens things up for the team. He's been a massive part of the side for five or six years, and he's been incredible.”
Q: With a good end to the season under Michael Carrick and positive news on the stadium, are we starting to see the club return to the heights of previous years?
“Leaving OId Trafford has mixed emotions. It's a tough one. I originally said I'd love to build on the current ground, but when you see the big stages, especially in America, you see what is possible. It might take time, but if we get it right, it could be incredible.
“It’s sad, but what we have to do.”
Q: Do they need to consider attacking options or can Carrick get the best out of Benjamin Sesko next season?
“I've met Benjamin Sesko a few times and he is a genuine lad who just wants to do well. He trains hard and tries to improve. Physically, he is there. Now it's about staying positive and getting a few goals early on. I really like how he's integrated into the team and improved as the games have gone on.
“If you are involved in every cup and the league, you need a full squad. I wouldn't mind if another striker came in as well. When we used to win things, we sometimes had four main strikers, and later three, who all wanted to play. Whoever is playing well gets the nod. He's been brilliant and improved as the season went on, but I still think you could add one more.
“Then they can battle it out for the season. Competition for places is good. When team spirit is excellent, if you're playing well, you play. He's done really well and I'm sure we'll see more from him next season.”
Q: Should Marcus Rashford come home to Old Trafford next season? Would it be gutting to see him at Arsenal?
“I think Michael Carrick would love to have Marcus Rashford back, but I don't think it's up to Michael, to be honest. It's one of those situations you don't want to be in.
“Marcus will be somewhere scoring goals next year. Regardless of what happened in the past, everyone can make amends, and it would be brilliant for Michael to have him as an option. I wish I could answer that one, but I don't know.
“It's a shame, but Marcus will just want to play. I would love for things to be resolved so he's in the squad for next season. You need players on the bench who are just as good as the starters. When you get to that stage, you start winning trophies and putting pressure on other teams.
“If you look at City or Arsenal, those bench players could be starting every week and that's where we need to get to and I'm sure we will.”
Q: Should Manchester United hijack Arsenal’s interest in Bruno Guimarães or go after Sandro Tonali?
“It's tough to pick between Guimaraes and Tonali. They are proven Premier League players who know the league, so there would be no adjustment period. I really like Sandro Tonali and think he would fit into the team.
“However, I can't see Newcastle selling more of their key players. I don't know if that's a realistic option, can Newcastle afford to do that again?
“Considering where they said they wanted to be in the next few years, selling those players seems like a step back. They are good players. For those positions, having Premier League experience is a major plus.”
Q: Will there be many similar difficulties Man City will face after the Pep era as Man Utd faced when Sir Alex left?
“Pep Guardiola is his own man and has achieved so much. It's always going to be hard to replace him, regardless of who comes in. The difference is that City still have a great, young squad to work with. It could be a little different than United's situation, but it definitely won't be plain sailing for Enzo Maresca.”
Q: What’s your early prediction for the Premier League top four next season?
“I didn't put Manchester United in it last year, but I'll put them in there this time. I still think it will be Arsenal and Man City, and I'll add Manchester United and Liverpool. I think Liverpool's squad is getting better and they improved toward the end of the season.
“That's why we love the Premier League. I would definitely put Manchester United in the top four this year.”
Q: How gutting is it for Sunderland to lose Granit Xhaka?
“Granit Xhaka had the experience that the team actually needed, and the quality is still there. I can understand Sunderland being really disappointed if he goes because they need an experienced player in midfield to run the ship.
“If he leaves, they might struggle to find a replacement. That's football. The team will have to adjust. Sunderland were really good last year, nobody thought at the beginning of the season they would be near the top. They were never in trouble.
“Beating Newcastle was a big deal for them. They would definitely need to find a replacement if he were to go because his experience helped so much last year.
“For Chelsea, that's a different direction. He's been in the Premier League before and knows what he's doing. When I watch Chelsea, I feel they lack experienced players, they are talented, but Granit Xhaka could definitely be that central figure to get things going.”
Q: Do you think David Moyes would leave Everton for Scotland?
“I can’t see David Moyes taking the Scotland job. I think he'll concentrate on Everton this year, especially with the new stadium coming up.
“He'll want to get them back to playing good football and see how far they can go. From an outsider's perspective, I think he'll stay at Everton.”
Q: Can you understand why Michael O’Neill chose to stay with Northern Ireland over Blackburn?
“It's a tough one. I was at Blackburn when Tony Mowbray was there before, they need fresh players and someone who can settle the club. They've struggled for the last four or five years, the fans aren't happy. Someone needs to go in and sort it out.
“Someone needs to get them back on track, Tony has the experience to do that. The key is signing some really important players, not necessarily splashing the cash, but players who can perform in that league. That's important because the Championship is completely different from the Premier League.
“He is definitely the guy who could get them out of trouble and back into winning ways, or at least back up to the playoffs.”
