England will qualify for knockout stage: Fowler

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler Monday tipped England to qualify for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil but said that they would go no further than the round of 16.

England have been clubbed in Group D alongside former champions Uruguay and Italy with Central American powerhouse Costa Rica rounding off the group.

"England can get past the group stages but it will be difficult for them to go any further. There are better teams than England in the competition but this is the World Cup and anything can happen," Fowler said at an XOLO promotional event, who announced a three-season partnership with Liverpool Football Club to become the official regional marketing partner for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"Germany, Spain and Brazil are all strong teams and the winner I think will come from one of these teams."

Fowler said that top clubs needed to do more to promote English youngsters and give them more shots at first team action.

"Football is a business now but something needs to be changed. We must promote our own lads and give them enough opportunities to perform at the highest level which is not happening enough. Some footballers in the national squad are not even playing for their clubs," said Fowler, who has also played for Leeds United and Manchester City.

Talking about Liverpool, for whom he made 369 appearances, Fowler said that Liverpool were not a one man team with quality all over the pitch.

"Everyone has only been talking about Luis Suarez but Liverpool is not a one man team. You need other players who pass him the ball make the tackles, you need quality all over the pitch and we have seen that from the team this year.

"I hope they secure Champions League qualification this year. They have been unlucky in the past."

He hoped that manager Bredan Rodgers would be given enough time at the helm and saw him bringing success to the club.

"I hope Liverpool stick with Brendan. He has done well with this group and he will bring the team titles. I can see a little bit of success in the horizon," said Fowler.