Rebecca Lowe, the well-known FOX Sports presenter, is gearing up for another FIFA World Cup, and she believes this could finally be the year that England’s long wait comes to an end. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Lowe shared her views on England’s chances, the momentum building around the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), and why Japan might just be the dark horse to watch out for.

In her words, Lowe continues to dream every four years. For her, the hope that football will ‘come home’ never truly fades. Yet, for decades, England have fallen short at the World Cup, often undone by their own shortcomings. As the Three Lions approach another campaign, Lowe insists that this time feels different.

“It’s the law of averages,” Lowe laughs. “It’s about time, isn’t it? We’ve got to win this thing. Every four years, I tell myself, ‘We’re going to win it. Look at our team!’ And when I look at this squad, we should be able to win it.”

She has reasons to be optimistic. Harry Kane is performing at Ballon d’Or level, Thomas Tuchel has proven himself as a top-class coach, and England’s squad is filled with players at their peak. Their recent record—two consecutive European Championship finals and a spirited 2022 World Cup run—adds to that belief.

“I argue about this all the time,” Lowe admits. “But I just believe in them. I see how good they are week in, week out.”

Still, Lowe concedes that the nerves never go away. “I’m just so nervous about those big knockout games—against France or someone like that,” she says. “That’s what worries me.”

Turning to the USMNT, Lowe’s affection for American football is clear. Having covered the game in the U.S. for nearly 15 years, she’s watched the sport grow dramatically. As a FOX host this summer, she’ll be closely following Mauricio Pochettino’s side, and she’s hopeful about their chances.

“I love the U.S.,” she says emphatically. “I really want them to do well, and I’m convinced they will if they can win their first game. It’s crucial. When this country gets behind something, it’s incredible. Just look at the Olympics—when Team USA wins, the entire nation unites.”

Lowe argues that this collective energy could push the U.S. team to overperform. “They need a good result to start. Doesn’t matter how they play—just win that first match against Paraguay. Once the momentum builds, with the marketing and the media power here, they can go far. And I really hope they do—both for FOX and for the country.”

As for her dark horse pick, Lowe doesn’t hesitate before naming Japan. “They’ve got real quality across the pitch,” she explains. “But more than that, it’s their mentality. One of their players said recently, ‘We’re not settling for quarter-finals. We want to win it.’ I love that attitude. People are underestimating Japan.”

Having spent nearly equal parts of her career in England and the U.S., Lowe also reflected on how football broadcasting differs across the Atlantic. “I started in 2002, so I’ve done about half my career in each,” she says. “Here, you’re talking to 350 million people, and while many know football inside out, there are also newcomers discovering the sport every year. You have to balance those audiences—never talk down to the experts, but also never alienate the new fans.”

She adds, “Before NBC came along, it was tougher to follow the Premier League here. Fans had to work for it. So, in some ways, American fans know football better because they had to put in the effort. Now, you’ve got the diehards, the casuals, and everyone in between. After 13 years, I think I know how to reach all of them.”

Lowe’s latest appearance on FOX’s ‘Mic’d Up’ continues the tradition of the segment, where analysts and commentators provide their perspectives on the evolving world of football, both in the U.S. and internationally. And as the World Cup approaches, one thing is certain—Rebecca Lowe’s belief in England remains unshakable.