England manager Thomas Tuchel has declared that the Three Lions are not among the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The German says England’s lack of major silverware continues to separate them from the game’s most successful nations.
Nevertheless, bookmakers have installed Tuchel’s side as third favourites for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada – trailing only Spain and France.
England’s group-stage campaign opens against Croatia on 17 June in Dallas, before meetings with Ghana on 23 June in Boston and Panama on 27 June in New Jersey follow.
England ‘dare to dream’
“We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,” Tuchel told reporters ahead of a friendly match against Costa Rica on Wednesday.
“There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites. 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 challengers. We want to go all the way. I don’t think we’re heavy favourites.
“But we want to win. We know what it takes. It takes 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 get distracted.
“I have belief but it comes with responsibility, hard work, discipline and deal with setbacks. We dare to dream.”
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Step-by-step focus
Former Chelsea and PSG boss Tuchel added: “In recent tournaments, England have been there – semi-finals, finals. Once you reach a quarter-final, you can win any competition and go all the way.
“It’s important not to digest the tournament in one piece. At the moment, this is prep-camp and next stage is the group stage.
“At club football, I always make sure you win your group and don’t get distracted or overthink. Once you reach the quarter-final, you can think about going all the way, then the belief will be there.
“There will be lots of respect for our opponents and don’t underestimate the level of luck you need with injuries and decisions.
“We go step by step. At the moment, we’re exactly where we want to be.”
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Simon Wilkes