Can England Actually Win The World Cup?

    England will come into the 2026 World Cup with one of the most talented squads in the tournament. Having consistently progressed deep into competitions under Gareth Southgate and now having what looks like an upgrade in Thomas Tuchel, the question is no longer whether England can simply progress, but whether they can win the whole tournament.

    England has world-class talent throughout the squad, perhaps their weakest position being centre-back, but even there, they (technically) have two European-trophy-winning centre-backs in Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa. Much of this England squad is approaching their peak; certainly for many, this is their best chance to win the World Cup. This will almost certainly be the last for the likes of Pickford, Henderson, Kane and Stones, and it may give them some extra motivation. The team also has strong depth across every position, certainly compared to many previous generations, and the experienced players in the squad will likely serve as leaders for the young players at their first World Cup. 

    

    England’s biggest obstacle in recent years has been themselves, and I see no reason why that won’t be the case again at this World Cup. The unnecessary struggle against New Zealand just showed that, as well as England does in qualifiers, they seem to be a hindrance to themselves. And of course, with teams like France and Spain in the competition, it is even more cause for worry. Oftentimes, England collapses against strong opposition, resorting to tactics that don’t suit many of its more technical players. Tournament football comes down to fine margins, and for some reason, England play like it’s a league; when a goal down, they always seem to worry more about conceding again than scoring. England will have to take far more risks and rely on their players far more if they are to win the tournament.

    

    One cannot question England’s ability to win the World Cup without questioning the manager. England has had a history of great managers who have tried and failed to create a great team. Gareth Southgate was England’s best manager in recent years. The football he played was ugly and safe, and in his managerial career before England, he was awful, but he came in and created a community. For me, the question is: Can Thomas Tuchel maintain the sense of family in the England squad? I think he may be able to. I have already been happy with his decision to play players on performance rather than on names, specifically dropping Jude Bellingham, who was turning into quite the prima donna at Madrid. Thomas Tuchel is certainly a better tactician than Gareth Southgate, but we wait to see if he can do it with England on the biggest stage of all.

    England certainly has the talent to win the World Cup, and is definitely one of the favourites. But in recent years, being the favourites and having the best team have been hindrances. Look at France 2018 or Argentina 2022; neither was the favourite, nor had the best squad, but they won it because they were good teams. Until England can prove they can overcome the biggest teams, there will always be doubts about them as a team. For the longest time, England have gone into the World Cup with a fragment of hope surrounded by doubt, but for the first time in decades, England will go into the World Cup with just a smidge of doubt on a canvas of hope. They don't need a miracle, they need to prove that this golden generation can finally deliver on the biggest stage.