England manager Thomas Tuchel does not consider his team among the favorites for the World Cup but believes they are in good form heading into the tournament and can ‘dare to dream’ about lifting the trophy.
Most bookmakers have England as one of the top contenders for the title, but Tuchel is betting that the six-decade drought since the country’s solitary victory in 1966 will count against that.
The German compared England’s quest during the June 11 to July 19 tournament to a player with no previous title turning up at the Wimbledon tennis championships.
«We are not the top favorites. That’s not possible because we haven’t won it for so many years,» he told reporters in Florida on Tuesday, on the eve of England’s final warm-up against Costa Rica.
“There are proven winners in the tournament with more success in recent tournaments, so these are the favorites and we are fighting for the trophy.”
«It’s like… going to Wimbledon, you’ve never won it… (you’re) not the favorite. But of course you can win it, and we want to win it, but we know what it takes, and it also takes a calm mentality and focus on our steps.»
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Tuchel is taking charge of a team at the World Cup for the first time, but said his experience of Champions League campaigns in club football has taught him a lot about how to approach tournament football.
“It is my opinion and my belief that once you reach the quarter-finals you can go all the way,” he added.
«I think it’s important not to try to digest this whole tournament at once and focus on what we can influence. Right now this is the preparation camp and then we’ll take care of the group stage.»
«Make sure you go through your group and don’t get distracted by thinking too much. Once you (are) in a quarter-final then you can go all out and the belief will be there, but a lot of work has to be done.»
“We are exactly where we want to be and want to take the next step tomorrow.”
England kick off their campaign in Dallas on June 17 with a replay of their 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia.
Tuchel said his qualification of England’s chances did not reflect any doubt in his own mind, or in the camp, about the squad’s potential.
«I have a faith. We all have a faith,» he said. “We all have a dream, but it comes with responsibility and hard work, dedication and discipline, and sometimes with disappointments and setbacks.
“This is all included, but… we dare to dream and it is important.”
Published on June 10, 2026
