There’s been plenty of pessimism surrounding England ahead of this World Cup, but there are still reasons to believe. The squad boasts genuine quality, and there’s a sense that this could finally be their time.

As England prepare to face Costa Rica, fans are encouraged to share their thoughts and optimism. Despite the doubts about the heat, Jude Bellingham’s fitness, and comparisons with other nations, there’s a strong case for England’s chances this summer.

Here are five reasons to stay positive:

1. There’s a proper manager at the helm – one who has actually won trophies and knows how to manage a team, not just look good in a waistcoat.

2. Players will be deployed in their correct positions, which should make a significant difference when the pressure rises.

3. The squad is packed with talent: the goalkeeper is solid, the defence reliable (if injuries don’t strike), the midfield dynamic – provided Mikel Arteta hasn’t run Declan Rice into the ground – and up front there’s Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka (even if not at full fitness), and Barcelona’s exciting new signing.

4. England can boast at least two world-class players in Kane and Bellingham, with James, Rice, and Saka close behind. Collectively, this is also one of the most valuable squads in world football.

5. The starting XI practically selects itself, and a player-for-player comparison with other top nations shows England are competitive across most positions.

Looking at the main rivals: France have a questionable coach, the Mbappé factor, and aren’t clearly superior. Spain rely heavily on Yamal and Rodri, with a few defensive concerns. Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo’s ongoing circus and a manager few rate, though their midfield impresses. Argentina? A Messi tribute act, perhaps. Germany remain unpredictable, especially with Kai Havertz leading the line and Manuel Neuer still in goal. Brazil, meanwhile, are a mix of brilliance and chaos – Neymar’s return, egos galore, and a squad lacking balance – yet they remain the favourites for many.

In short, England are in the mix. They’ve got a legitimate shot at the title. Matthew (ITFC)

Another fan shared that he has no emotional stake in this World Cup, having boycotted FIFA tournaments since 2018 due to political and environmental issues. Yet, he’s still following the conversation around England’s chances.

He questions what “good enough to win it” even means, recalling Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League triumph. That team wasn’t exceptional and often played poorly, but they still beat elite sides like Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan – all under top managers like Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho. It wasn’t about dominating matches, but about seizing key moments. Players like Luis García, Jerzy Dudek, Andriy Shevchenko, Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, Xabi Alonso, and Dida defined those moments – with Dudek rising when it mattered most.

The lesson for England fans: winning tournaments isn’t always about playing perfectly for 90 minutes; it’s about winning decisive moments. In that sense, players like Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham have already proven they can deliver when it counts.

As for him, he’s switching to cricket and tennis for the next few weeks. Rob, Hove

Another fan reflected on England’s long-standing midfield issues. Historically, England have defended well and always had goalscorers, but their midfield has often been outclassed by teams with even a single world-class playmaker. The only truly balanced midfield he recalls featured Paul Ince and Paul Gascoigne. Thomas Tuchel, therefore, faces a major challenge in constructing a unit capable of competing with the midfields of Spain, France, and Portugal. Ben Teacher

Meanwhile, Mike, LFC, Dubai offered a more upbeat take. Responding to a previous negative outlook on the tournament, he expressed his love for the World Cup – not just for the heavyweight clashes like France vs Argentina or Brazil vs Spain, but for the underdog battles that define the competition’s spirit.

He noted that two average teams going all out can produce matches far more entertaining than tactical masterclasses like Spain’s 2010 side. Living in the UAE, he recalled watching their World Cup qualifier against Qatar – a thrilling 2-1 win for Qatar – and described it as pure passion and drama.

He highlighted memorable group stage fixtures from the last World Cup – Cameroon 3-3 Serbia, South Korea 2-3 Ghana, Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina, Senegal 2-1 Ecuador, Germany 4-2 Costa Rica, South Korea 2-1 Portugal – as proof that joy often comes from unexpected places. For him, the World Cup is about the stories, not just the stars.

With the time difference, Mike plans to watch as many games as possible – whether it’s USA vs Paraguay, Germany vs Curaçao, or Czechia vs South Africa – and says he can’t wait for the tournament to kick off.

Yet, not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Some fans have serious reservations about the 2026 World Cup being hosted across three massive countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – all of which experience extreme summer heat. Even Canada, freezing in winter, will see temperatures above 30°C.

The logistics are daunting: England will play in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, and if they progress, potentially Atlanta and Mexico City. Travel and accommodation costs will be high, with hotels demanding multi-day minimum stays. That means local fans will be crucial for filling stadiums – but with average MLS attendances around 23,000 and ticket prices soaring, that’s far from guaranteed.

Moreover, the reliance on volunteers – who will work for free while FIFA profits – has raised eyebrows. Many are participating for the experience rather than out of love for football, further highlighting the disconnect between the tournament’s commercial scale and its grassroots spirit.

While Canada and Mexico deserve their hosting moments, the fan concludes that the World Cup’s integrity has eroded over successive editions – from Russia to Qatar and now to the USA. What was once a celebration of football now feels overshadowed by political, economic, and ethical controversies.

As Johnny Nic noted, even if the media tries to paint it as a success, sponsors and broadcasters – many of them US-based, like Coca-Cola – will be closely monitoring results and engagement. They invested heavily expecting a dream tournament on home soil, but the reality might fall short. If there’s one consolation, it’s that FIFA President Gianni Infantino might finally face consequences if this World Cup underdelivers.