No Englishman has won The Open since Sir Nick Faldo claimed the Claret Jug for a third time in 1992 – and Justin Rose is hoping he is in the mix on final-round Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel’s England football team will be aiming to end a 60-year wait for World Cup glory this week, and face Argentina in a semi-final showdown on Wednesday night.
But England’s golfers will be aiming to break their own drought when the 2026 Open starts at Royal Birkdale on Thursday.
European Ryder Cup star Rose is a 30/1 shot with bookmakers to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday – and he said: “The stage is set for a great week and I’m very excited about this one.”
Rose is also excited about the prospect of watching Tuchel’s tenacious team take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Atlanta (8pm kick-off) in their last-four clash at the 2026 World Cup.
Rose rooting for the boys
He will play alongside American Russell Henley and Norway’s Viktor Hovland in a 9.36am tee off and told Sky Sports: “I was hoping for a later tee time! Actually, 9.30am isn’t too bad.
“I’d take a win on penalties, but we’re looking for a short, sharp match and a reasonable bedtime.
“I’m going to watch it with an eye on what’s important for me this week and keep my own emotions in check. We’ve got big things as well to do this week.
“It’s a match where if you think that you’re not going to watch it, you’re probably kidding yourself!
“I’ll be rooting the boys on, but at the same time, trying to make sure I’m able to sort of rest up pretty soon after the match.”
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Rose relishing crowd energy
Rose is relishing firing the home fans up, adding: “The crowd really kick in when you’re on the leaderboard.
“There’s that real sort of energy that they provide. I think it’s having a bit of an ace up your sleeve.
“You can’t force it. You’ve got to play very much with your own patience. You can’t have that weight of expectation about being a home player.
“But I think there is something special about a home player on the leaderboard when the crowd get behind you.
“That can be worth a shot or two down the stretch that can keep you going.
“It can help you, if you make a mistake, help you get over it a bit quicker in a big moment. That’s what I’ve learned.”
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A very good career
Rose was in a reflective mood when he looked back on his career while facing the press in the build-up to Thursday’s famous tournament.
He said: “I’ve had a very good career, and 28 years later, I’m playing in The Open.
“Thinking about it, that’s an amazing achievement; it’s just the will or wanting to be here more than anything.
“I’m very happy with where I’m at. Could I have won more of what I’ve won? Yes. Would I want to be a multiple major winner? Yes.
“Could I have pushed towards the Grand Slam? Yes. I’ve had results that nearly put me in that realm.
“So a little bit of luck here and there, I could be sitting here with a very different career.
“But ultimately, if I look at it, I got to world No. 1. I’m a major champion, Olympic gold medalist, FedExCup.
“I’ve achieved pretty much what there is to achieve in the game, albeit once only.
“But the highlights are great.
“Would I have just wanted more of it? Of course. Everyone’s greedy.”
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Aidan Leo