Thomas Tuchel Explains Why England Will Be 'Underdogs' at 2026 World Cup

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Thomas Tuchel has explained why England will be "underdogs" at the 2026 World Cup.

The Three Lions have made faultless progress towards that competition, with maximum points being taken from five qualification fixtures. They have enough talent at their disposal to be considered serious contenders for a global crown, but Tuchel has sought to rein in pre-tournament expectations.

England’s men’s team have failed to win a major international trophy since savouring World Cup glory on home soil in 1966. Some 60 years will have passed by the time their sights are set on that prize once again. There have been some close calls in recent times, with Sir Gareth Southgate overseeing runs to successive European Championship finals.

The Three Lions have been unable to get over the winning line, though, with Lionel Messi inspiring Argentina to the ultimate prize last time out at Qatar 2022. With no form to fall back on when it comes to trophy collecting, Tuchel claims that his squad should not be considered one of the favourites to prevail in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The German tactician said: "We will arrive as underdogs in the World Cup because we haven't won it for decades, and we will play against teams who have repeatedly won it during that time, so we need to arrive as a team otherwise we have no chance."

He added on piecing together a bid for World Cup glory: "We try to collect the guys who in the end have the glue and cohesion to be the best team, because we need to arrive [at the World Cup] with the best team."

Tuchel, who has been handed an 18-month contract that expires after next summer’s finals, went on to say of competing for elusive honours: "If you've never won Wimbledon, you