Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel has poured water on British football fans, who were dreaming big of ending their 60-year drought with this 2026 World Cup.
England boss Tuchel, during a press conference on Tuesday June 9, made a surprising statement, saying: “We can’t be one of the favorites because we haven’t won for so long.”
“There are confirmed winners in the tournament. They are the favorites,” he added.
England’s big dream of winning the FIFA World Cup trophy has yet to come true since 1966.
Tuchel believes the lack of previous silverware at tournament level means England remain behind other nations in terms of pecking order.
“We can compete for the trophy and dream big. We know what it takes. Our responsibility is in the effort, that’s where the emphasis is, we see ourselves as competitors and challenges. We want to go all the way. I don’t think we are big favorites.”
But Tuchel sounded optimistic ahead of the heated World Cup race.
He added: “But we want to win. We know what it takes to have a calm mind and concentrate on our steps.
“If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we take it step by step, otherwise we will be distracted.”
Tuchel, having full confidence in his 26-man squad, stressed: “I believe in it, but with that comes responsibility, hard work, discipline and dealing with setbacks. We dare to dream.”
England are scheduled to play their final warm-up match against Costa Rica today, Wednesday June 10, 2026.
England were eliminated at the last World Cup in Qatar in the quarter-finals by France.
