Tuchel says England are challengers, not World Cup favourites

Thomas Tuchel has played down England’s chances of winning the World Cup, saying they are not among the favourites because they have not won the tournament for so long. He said England can compete for the trophy, but believes other nations with recent success deserve that label more.

Tuchel pointed out that England have reached semi-finals and finals in recent major tournaments, but argued that they still need to prove themselves at the very top level. He said the team should focus on each stage step by step, starting with the group phase, rather than thinking too far ahead. In his view, England can dream big, but only if they stay calm, disciplined and prepared for setbacks.

Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol backed that assessment, saying Tuchel is being realistic. He noted that England will face difficult conditions in the United States, with heat, altitude and unfamiliar pitches all likely to make life harder. He also said teams such as Argentina, Brazil, Spain and France look better placed to be considered favourites.

Tuchel also addressed Bukayo Saka’s fitness, saying the winger is still building back after his Achilles injury. Saka joined the squad in Florida after time off following the Champions League final, but Tuchel said it is unlikely he will be able to start and finish every game from this point on. He stressed that Arsenal managed Saka carefully and that England must do the same.

England are finishing their pre-World Cup camp in Miami, with a warm-up match against Costa Rica followed by a behind-closed-doors game against Miami FC. Tuchel has a 31-man group available as he looks to prepare the squad for their opening match against Croatia on June 17.

He said the focus now is on getting the players through the final preparation phase while adjusting to the weather and intensity they will face at the tournament. England may not be favourites in Tuchel’s eyes, but he believes they can still go deep if they build momentum at the right time.