England manager Thomas Tuchel during the World Cup draw (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
England manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken out about the tough squad his team has put together for next summer’s 2026 World Cup.
The World Cup draw took place yesterday and saw England placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
The Three Lions have not won this trophy since 1966, and they will be desperate to finally bring it home after some recent near misses at major tournaments.
England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018, where they lost to Croatia, and were also beaten finalists at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
Thomas Tuchel reacts to England’s World Cup group draw
Speaking at yesterday’s ceremony in the United States, Tuchel was quoted by the Guardian as saying: “I think it’s a very complex group, a very difficult group but, OK, it is what it is.
“Croatia is difficult. It’s a big opening match and it could easily be a quarter-final or even later in the tournament but we don’t wish for anything. We don’t want to avoid anything at all costs.”
Croatia certainly have the ability to upset England early in next summer’s tournament, but Tuchel will surely feel his side have enough to get past Ghana and Panama, even if they won’t exactly be pushovers.
England were top seeds and therefore avoided other big names like France and Spain in the group stage.
Still, these are the sort of teams England will have to face at some point, and they shouldn’t have too much to fear as one of the favorites to go all the way in the competition.
Can England win the 2026 World Cup?
Gareth Southgate has done a good job with England and has been unlucky not to win a trophy for his efforts, so Tuchel will have been appointed to take the country a step closer.
The German tactician has experience of winning major trophies, having won the Champions League at Chelsea and the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich.
There is also some world-class talent in this England team, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice undoubtedly among the best players in the world right now.
Tuchel also guided England through a perfect qualifying campaign, also featuring young talents like Elliot Anderson.
We’ll have a better idea of England’s credentials after this opening match against Croatia.
