England are among the favorites to take part in next summer’s World Cup, which will be played in harsh temperatures in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has told his England players to have the courage to dream of winning the World Cup. Tuchel will find out who England’s opponents will be next summer in a star-studded draw in Washington on Friday, but he admitted he envisioned himself lifting the trophy.
Asked if he had thought about it, England manager Tuchel told ITV: “Yes, absolutely. I would dream about it because it’s such a big thing and the biggest joy for me personally is seeing the joy of the players, the staff and my friends and family and seeing how happy they are.”
“We all know we can’t promise to win, but they want to see a team, team spirit, a team that gives everything and fights for each other. They want that whether they’re in the stadium or watching it on TV. I think if the players have that, anything is possible.”
read more: Chief referee Pierluigi Colina reveals major changes to VAR for the 2026 World Cupread more: Arsene Wenger warns England are ‘almost men’ at the World Cup, names favorites to win
“We’re brave enough to dream it, and we’re brave enough to try it, any time. But I’m seeing a change in expectations and a change in the feedback I’m getting from fans and people I meet who like what they see.
“It’s important that we go in with the right attitude on the back of good results and outstanding performances. We’ve built something, we’ve grown together and now we have to wait until we get together in March. But[Friday’s draw]is a big milestone in the run-up to the World Cup.”
Tuchel admitted the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will pose challenges, including scorching temperatures.
The German manager said he would consider emulating the game played at last summer’s Club World Cup, when Borussia Dortmund’s substitutes sat in the dressing room to avoid the sun.
read more: 2026 World Cup: Pubs open until 1am during tournament as England decide fateread more: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s nightmare start to life at Real Madrid is summed up by his latest setback
Tuchel told the BBC:
“No one likes that because we want our players to come out here and feel the energy and bring the energy off the bench to the field, but I get your point.
“But I saw teams doing this in the Club World Cup, I saw players doing this, and I’d like to avoid it if I can. It’s always good if they stay with us.”
Meanwhile, Tuchel said he was studying footage of Jude Bellingham’s upset when he was substituted against Albania. After the game, he said he hadn’t seen it yet and would review it at a later date.
Asked if he had looked into it, Tuchel added: “Yes, of course. It’s pretty clear what happened, but I didn’t see it during the game. I’m in Washington for the World Cup draw, so I think I understand that’s not the topic right now.”
