The coach of the Three Lions, Thomas Tuchel, has poured water on British football fans, who dreamed big of the end of their 60-year drought in this 2026 World Cup.
England manager Tuchel, in a press conference on Tuesday, June 9, shared a surprising statement: “We can’t be one of the favorites because we haven’t won in a long time.”
“There are proven winners in the tournament. These are the favorites,” he added.
England’s great dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy has yet to come true since 1966.
Tuchel feels the lack of previous titles at tournament level means England remain behind other nations in terms of the pecking order.
“We can compete for the trophy and dream big. We know what it takes. Our responsibility is in the effort, this is where the focus is, we see ourselves as competitors and challenges. We want to go to the end. I don’t think we are big favorites.”
But Tuchel seemed optimistic ahead of the lively World Cup race.
He added: “But we want to win. We know what it takes to keep 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 has full confidence in his 26-man squad, stressed: “I have faith, but this comes with responsibility, hard work, discipline and facing setbacks. We dare to dream.”
England will play their final warm-up match with Costa Rica today, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
England faced elimination in the last World Cup in Qatar in the quarterfinals against France.
