Cate Blanchett and Russell Crowe are the first to pose on the red carpet at Cannes 2010 Photo: GETTY

The Australian actor shared his thoughts on England’s prospects during a press conference for Robin Hood at the Cannes Film Festival.

“I’m really looking forward to the World Cup,” he said. “I believe maybe Spain, maybe Brazil… Portugal have a great opportunity if Cristiano Ronaldo is on form.

“England always come up with a good team but there’s maybe a defence issue there, maybe a goalie issue. And Wayne Rooney – who’s going to partner him up front? Beckham’s injured of course, so will be sitting it out.

“And all, of course, have no chance against a resurgent Australian team.”

Crowe, who owns the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team in Australia, paid a visit to Real Madrid during a recent trip to Spain.

“I have a team so looking at the facilities of other great organisations is always interesting,” he said.

“I actually did meet the players from Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo is a really nice chap. I was really pleased to meet him. He’s probably in the handful of the greatest players to play the game.

“It was a slightly embarrassing situation because in La Liga I’m a Barcelona fan and I didn’t hesitate to tell each individual, ‘Hi, mate, how are you? I’m a Barcelona fan.”