MELBOURNE, June 19: Australia cricketer Shane Warne, whose leg-break bowling has demoralised England batsmen for a decade, said Wednesday he was supporting England in soccer’s World Cup.

“I don’t know if I should be admitting this, but I’ve actually been supporting the Poms,” Warne said in his Herald Sun newspaper column ahead of Friday’s quarterfinal with Brazil.

“It’s a weird feeling yelling “C’mon the Poms” at the TV.

“But it would be good to see them win at least one thing and if they can get over Brazil Friday, then the draw opens up for them.

“Luck certainly has been on their side with Argentina and France dropping out.”

Warne said that like most England fans, his favourite player was captain David Beckham.

“But Paul Scholes is a fiery type who appeals to me because he’s got a bit of go in him,” Warne said.

“Michael Owen and Ashley Cole have been sensational to watch.”

Warne, 32, one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the century, has taken 450 test wickets. Australia have won the past seven Ashes series against England.—Reuters