Hartlepool United midfielder Jon-Andre Fredriksen believes that it will be very hard for a European side to emerge victorious from this year’s World Cup due to the fact that no European team has ever won the trophy when the competition has been held outside of Europe.

Since the World Cup began in 1930, there have been nine victories by European sides, yet those teams that have won the competition; Italy, France, England and West Germany all won the trophy inside of Europe, with Brazil winning the last two tournaments held in different continents.

Bookmakers have backed Brazil as joint favourites with Spain to be victorious in South Africa, and having already achieved five victories in the World Cup, four of which came outside of Europe, the Brazilians are seemingly the team to beat in South Africa.

England are heading to the tournament with the belief that this could be their second World Cup triumph, the first of which famously came in 1966 when they hosted the tournament, and while Fredriksen admits that the Three Lions have a good chance of winning, he still believes the European jinx could decide the contest in South Africa.

“It is difficult for European sides to win the World Cup, but especially so when it is held outside of Europe,” said Fredriksen.

“No European team has won it outside of Europe before and of course the tournament is being held in South Africa. My picks would be Argentina or Spain this year but Brazil are looking very good and England will always have a chance.“

Fredriksen has only spent one season in England since his move to Hartlepool from Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 in August, yet the tireless midfielder believes the style of football in England could be a great advantage to the national side, and that other countries may struggle to deal with the physical nature of English football.

“The football is far different in England than in other countries. You do not have so much time on the ball over here, the play is much quicker and teams play more long balls as well.

“In the Premier League most teams play more on the floor, but sides are much more physical here than in other countries, and teams could find it hard against England due to the pace and strength of the game here.

“Whoever wins, you have to have a lot of luck to win a World Cup. I think England have the talent and I hope they can win in South Africa, it would be great for English football.

“They have a very good squad with a lot of quality players. Obviously Wayne Rooney is going to be a key player for them but they also have great talent in players like Lampard, Gerrard and Terry.

“They did very well in the qualifiers and they have a great chance to qualify from their group. They should definitely go through to the next round and with a bit of luck you cannot rule them out of winning the whole thing.”