England manager Thomas Tuchel does not see his team as favourites in the 2026 World Cup but they can definitely “dare to dream” about winning the trophy.
Among the bookmakers, England are title contenders, but Tuchel feels the six-decade title drought since they won their solitary World Cup trophy in 1966, works against them. He sees England’s campaign in this edition as a player without a title turning up at the Wimbledon.
“We’re not the top favourites. We can’t be, because we haven’t won it for so, so many years,” Tuchel told reporters in Florida on Tuesday, ahead of England’s final warm-up match against Costa Rica.
“There are proven winners in the tournament with more success in recent tournaments. So, these are the favourites, and we compete for the trophy.”
Tuchel compared England’s situation to a player competing at Wimbledon without having won the title before.
“It’s just like if you … go to Wimbledon, you have never won it … (you’re) not the favourite. But you can win it, of course, and we want to win it, but we know what it takes, and it takes also a calm mindset and focus on our steps.”
Although this is the first time Tuchel is leading a team at the World Cup, he said his experience in the UEFA Champions League has helped him understand how to approach major tournaments.
“It is my opinion and my conviction that once you reach the quarter-finals, you can go all the way,” he added.
The German coach stressed the importance of taking the tournament one step at a time rather than looking too far ahead.
“I think it’s important not to try to digest this whole tournament in one piece, and to focus on what we can influence. At the moment, this is prep camp and then we will take care of the group stage.
“Make sure that you go through your group, and don’t get distracted by overthinking. Once you (are) in a quarter-final, then you can go all the way and then the belief will be there, but there has to be a lot of work done.
“We’re exactly where we want to be and want to take the next step tomorrow.”
England begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Dallas against Croatia, a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
Tuchel also made it clear that calling England underdogs does not mean he lacks confidence in his squad.
“I have belief. We all have belief,” he said. “We all have a dream, but it comes with responsibility and hard work and commitment and discipline, and sometimes it comes with disappointment and setbacks.
“This is all included, but … we dare to dream and it’s important.”
