Thomas Tuchel has insisted England should embrace their underdog status at the 2026 World Cup, warning against the burden of expectation. The German manager stressed that despite being losing finalists in two successive European Championships, England have not won the men's World Cup since 1966.
“If you’ve never won Wimbledon you are maybe one of the favourites but you are not the favourite,” Tuchel said. “There is Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France and they just did it recently. It doesn’t mean we have no chance. First we will qualify and then we will know exactly why we go there. We want to go all the way but the role has to be clear.”
Tuchel also reiterated his focus on building a team rather than collecting talent, delivering a warning to Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. “We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team,” he said. “Teams win trophies, no one else.”
The England boss noted a shift in public attitude after the 5-0 win against Serbia, saying people now approach him with praise. He also referenced Steven Gerrard’s description of the Golden Generation as “egotistical losers”, suggesting club rivalries prevented them from buying into a bigger purpose.
Tuchel is not planning sweeping changes for the friendly against Wales on Thursday, with Harry Kane out injured but expected back for the World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson and John Stones are candidates to captain the side.
