Soccer
Thomas Tuchel insisted that England cannot be considered favourites for this summer’s World Cup because they have not won it for so many years.
England last triumphed at the World Cup in 1966 on home soil but have come close on two occasions, reaching the semi-finals in 1990 and eight years ago in Russia.
The Three Lions also narrowly missed out on winning the European Championships in consecutive editions, losing to Italy in 2020 and Spain four years later in the final.
England will be making their 17th World Cup appearance this year, with their opening Group L game coming against Croatia on June 17 at Dallas Stadium.
Ahead of the tournament, the Opta supercomputer has assigned England an 11% chance of winning the World Cup, with only France (13%) and Spain (16%) better fancied.
Tuchel said his players are dreaming of ending their 60-year wait for international silverware, but played down the notion that England were among the favourites in North America.
“How many favourites are there?,” Tuchel told reporters. “No, we’re not the top favourites. We can’t be because we haven’t won it for so many years.
“There are proven winners in the tournament with more success. We compete, we dream big, and we know what it takes.
“Responsibility is on the effort and that is where the focus is. We see ourselves as challengers. We want to go all the way, but I don’t think we are the heavy favourites.”
When asked who he believed the favourites were at the World Cup, Tuchel highlighted Portugal as the ones to watch given their squad’s success at club level in 2025-26.
“After their success in the Nations League and the involvement of the players in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League win, they are one of the favourites,” Tuchel added.
“They have a strong football team. A strong coach and strong players.”
All 31 #ThreeLions players are out on the pitch in Florida as preparations continue for tomorrow’s game against Costa Rica pic.twitter.com/j0iPUrxGW3
— England (@England) June 9, 2026
Tuchel did, however, believe that England’s near-misses in their previous outings at the Euros would be something his team can use in the latter stages of the tournament.
“It’s absolutely relevant. If you get to two Euros finals, and reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup, then you are there – then you can win it,” Tuchel said.
“Then maybe it just takes a bit of luck or whatever. I strongly believe we are there, but I also believe we are not the favourites because of history.
“We know what it takes, and it also requires a calm mindset and focus on our steps. If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we need to start the journey step by step.
“Otherwise, we’ll get distracted. I have belief. We all have beliefs and a dream.
“But it comes with hard work, responsibility, commitment and discipline – and sometimes disappointment. That’s all part of it. But we dare to dream, and that’s important.”
England began their World Cup preparations with a narrow 1-0 win over New Zealand, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal at Raymond James Stadium.
The Three Lions play their final pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday, in what is their first meeting against them since a 2-0 win in June 2018.
England have only lost their last match before a World Cup tournament once in their 16 previous participations in the finals (W9 D6), but Tuchel is expecting a stern test.
“No-one needs a break, everyone is available, which is very good news,” Tuchel said of the fitness of the squad.
“No [injury] complaints after the first match. We are ready to give it a push tomorrow, meaning more than 45 minutes. Players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes.
“Then, we have a chance to load the players a day later in a match behind closed doors in our training facility, then pre-camp is finished.
“We then start our adventure two days later in Kansas. We expect a physical push tomorrow. Physically, [with] intensity and style and play. We want to take the next step.”
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