Thomas Tuchel insists England ‘not the top favourites’ for World Cup glory - 'We haven't won it for so many years'
By Becky Hart
Updated 09/06/2026 at 23:44 GMT+1
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Thomas Tuchel has insisted that England are not the frontrunners to win this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America, preferring for his team to be described as "challengers."
Tuchel: England 'can't be' favourites at World Cup
Video credit: SNTV
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the friendly match against Costa Rica, Tuchel delved into a number of matters concerning his squad, including his decision to appoint Declan Rice as vice-captain.
But one thing he did address in no uncertain terms was whether England could be counted as one of the favourites heading into the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
"No, we're not the top favourites,” he told reporters.
”We can't be because we haven't won it for so many years. There are proven winners in the tournament with more success.
”We compete, we dream big and we know what it takes. Responsibility is on the effort and that is where the focus is.
"We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way but I don't think we are the heavy favourites."
Tuchel listed off some of the past winners of the tournament as the likely favourites, including reigning champions Argentina, Spain and France.
England last won the World Cup in 1966 and made it to the quarter-finals of the most recent edition, losing to France.
This time around, they have been drawn in a group containing Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
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Led by captain Harry Kane, England’s squad is littered with talent, including Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford.
But there have been plenty of talented squads before who have not managed to deliver glory on the biggest of stages.
Tuchel also confirmed that he is taking "a little bit of care" with Saka, saying that he needs to manage an injury the Arsenal forward has been grappling with since March.
"He made himself available at the end of the season and did so brilliantly, but he was managed in between matches; that continues a bit at the moment. We are building him up," Tuchel said.
Rice ‘one of the best midfielders in Europe’
Tuchel was asked about his decision to hand the vice-captaincy to Rice, calling the Arsenal man ”one of the best” midfielders in Europe.
Rice was instrumental in Arsenal winning the Premier League title and the 27-year-old already has 72 caps to his name.
”We have a leadership group of five or six players - you can call them captains without armbands,” Tuchel said.
"Declan and Harry [Kane] are the two guys with the armband. Harry is our captain - no doubt about it. And Declan is our second captain.
”When Harry wasn’t in camp and didn’t play against Wales, we had a choice, and it was a very quick one from me to give it to Declan.
"He has a high football IQ. He takes care of the formation and structure, the adaptation, and the rhythm of our game. He’s had two outstanding seasons with Arsenal - one of their main players in their Champions League campaign.
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Rice 'in the conversation' as one of the world's best midfielders - Gerrard
Video credit: TNT Sports
”He’s one of the best midfielders in Europe at the moment, full of confidence. That’s why he is my vice-captain."
England open their campaign on June 17 against Croatia in Dallas.
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