"Tuchel urges England to adopt underdog mindset for 2026 World Cup"

Thomas Tuchel Believes England Should Manage World Cup Expectations

Thomas Tuchel has suggested England would not be frontrunners at the World Cup and could perform better if they avoid being weighed down by excessive pressure.

Tuchel, who again dismissed the idea of simply gathering star players when asked about Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, insisted his team would not be among the leading contenders next summer. The German noted that despite England’s back-to-back European Championship final appearances, they should temper expectations, having last won the men’s World Cup in 1966.

“If you’ve never won Wimbledon, you may be a favorite, but not *the* favorite,” Tuchel said. “That’s just the reality. Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and France have achieved it recently. It doesn’t mean we have no chance. First, we must qualify, then we’ll define our approach. We aim to go far, but our role must be clear.”

“I don’t see why we should label ourselves as the top favorites. When was our last victory? Let’s take it step by step. We’re building a team ready to progress gradually—and hopefully, no one will want to face us.”

When pressed on analysts and betting markets often boosting England’s perceived chances, Tuchel responded, “How is that my responsibility? We’ll arrive with a clear goal to compete, but there’s a way to pursue it without causing frustration if it doesn’t work out.”

Tuchel also noted a shift in public sentiment after England’s 5-0 victory over Serbia last month. “I noticed reactions when out in public—people responding differently after that match,” he said. “It’s likely because of how we played. Before, the tone was: ‘Bring it home, make it happen, pick this player, you can’t play without them.’ Now, it’s more: ‘That was amazing to watch.’”

This week, Steven Gerrard described England’s so-called Golden Generation as “egotistical losers,” referencing their underwhelming 2006 World Cup campaign.

“When people discuss past successes or failures internationally, the same theme emerges: whether they truly united as a team,” Tuchel said. “Back then, club rivalries seemed too strong to overcome. They missed the chance to align behind a bigger objective—a huge opportunity lost.”

In 2006, Tuchel was earning his coaching credentials in Germany. Asked about the media spectacle surrounding England’s camp in Baden-Baden, he said, “I was focused on football, but yes, the circus was noticeable.”

Tuchel’s priority remains fostering teamwork. He praised the energy in last month’s training camp and saw no need yet to recall Bellingham and Foden.