England manager Thomas Tuchel has insisted that his side should not be regarded as the leading favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread expectations that the Three Lions will challenge for the title.
Speaking ahead of England’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica in Florida, Tuchel argued that the country’s long wait for major international success means they cannot be placed above nations with a stronger recent track record on the global stage. The 1966 World Cup remains England’s only triumph, and the German coach believes that history must be considered when assessing the contenders.
“We’re not the top favourites. We can’t be, because we haven’t won it for so, so many years,” he told reporters.
“There are proven winners
in the tournament with more success in recent tournaments. So, these are the favourites, and we compete for the trophy.”
Tuchel compared England’s situation to that of a tennis player arriving at Wimbledon without ever having lifted the title.
“It’s just like if you go to Wimbledon and you have never won it, you’re not the favourite. But you can win it, of course, and we want to win it, but we know what it takes, and it also takes a calm mindset and focus on our steps.”
One Step At A Time
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss, who is managing at a World Cup for the first time, stressed the importance of focusing on one stage at a time rather than looking too far ahead.
“It is my opinion and my conviction that once you reach the quarter-finals, you can go all the way,” he added.
“I think it’s important not to try to digest this whole tournament in one piece, and to focus on what we can influence.”
Despite downplaying England’s status as favourites, Tuchel made it clear that belief within the camp remains strong.
“I have belief. We all have belief,” he said. “We all have a dream, but it comes with responsibility and hard work and commitment and discipline, and sometimes it comes with disappointment and setbacks.
“This is all included, but we dare to dream and it’s important.”
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, a repeat of the 2018 semi-final.
(With inputs from Agencies)
