The England national football team is set to enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament favourites.
The current squad is considered strong enough to pose a serious threat to many other national teams across the competition.
With players like Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham, each bringing their own unique strengths and reputations, England’s opponents are expected to face a tough challenge.
The presence of a world-class coach further adds to the team’s confidence and expectations.
That coach is none other than Thomas Tuchel, who now serves as the tactical mastermind behind The Three Lions.
Tuchel’s appointment, however, did not come without controversy.
The Football Association (FA) appeared to have run out of patience after repeatedly entrusting local managers to deliver international success.
Gareth Southgate was the last to lead England in a major tournament, finishing only as runners-up.
Determined not to repeat history, the FA turned to Thomas Tuchel in hopes of a different outcome.
Appointed in October 2024, Tuchel’s mission was clear from the start: to lead England to victory in major tournaments.
And there’s no bigger stage than the FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup has become the immediate target for success.
The FA believes that with Thomas Tuchel at the helm, England’s chances of finally lifting the trophy are stronger than ever.
This confidence was echoed by FA CEO Mark Bullingham when Tuchel was officially given the mandate.
“Essentially, we wanted to appoint a coach who gives us the best chance to win major tournaments,” Mark said at the time, as quoted by Goal International.
“Thomas and his team have a clear focus on giving us the best possible opportunity to win the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Thomas Tuchel has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
He believes England have what it takes to rise to the top of world football.
Winning the 2026 World Cup would be the ultimate proof of that belief.
“Yes, we believe. Of course, we believe,” said Tuchel.
“We know how difficult it will be to win there, and other nations will not give in easily.”
“But we trust in our own strength and will aim to lift that trophy at the end of the competition,” he continued.
The optimism is not limited to the FA, Thomas Tuchel, or the players themselves.
Fans of The Three Lions are equally enthusiastic in supporting Harry Kane and his teammates.
Among them is Eko Apriatno, the head of Arsenal Indonesia Supporters (AIS) Region Tangerang, who also believes England can win the 2026 World Cup.
Eko has supported the English national team since the year 2000.
His reason is simple: he has always admired the style of play that England brings to the field.
“I support the England national team simply because I enjoy their style of play,” said Eko in an interview with TribunBanten.com on Monday (1 June 2026).
He believes the team’s biggest strength in the 2026 World Cup lies in their collective unity rather than dependence on individual stars.
“I don’t think England have a single key player for this World Cup; it’s all about teamwork. But if I had to name a few, I’d say Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice,” he explained.
Regarding England’s possible achievements in the tournament, Eko is confident that Tuchel’s squad can at least reach the semi-finals.
“My target for England is to reach the semi-finals,” he said.
(Tribunnews.com/Guruh) (TribunBanten.com/Ade Feri)
