The Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel has poured water on British football fans who dreamed big that their 60-year drought would end this 2026 World Cup.
England boss Tuchel shared a surprising statement at a press conference on Tuesday, June 9, saying: “We can’t be one of the favorites as we haven’t won for so long.”
“There are proven winners in the tournament. These are the favourites,” he added.
England’s great dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy has not yet come true since 1966.
Tuchel feels a lack of previous silverware at tournament level means England remain behind other nations in the pecking order.
“We can compete for the trophy and dream big. We know what it takes. Our responsibility is on the effort, this is where the focus is, we see ourselves as competitors and challenges. We will go all the way. I don’t think we are heavy favourites.”
But Tuchel appeared to be upbeat ahead of the buzzing World Cup run.
He added: “But we want to win. We know what it takes to have a calm mind and focus on our steps.
“If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we go step by step, otherwise we will be distracted.”
Tuchel, who had full confidence in his 26-man squad, stressed: “I have the faith, but it comes with responsibility, hard work, discipline and dealing with setbacks. We dare to dream.”
England will play their final warm-up match with Costa Rica today, Wednesday 10 June 2026.
England faced elimination in the last World Cup in Qatar in the quarter-finals by France.
