Tuchel insists England are not among the World Cup favorites – but says the Three Lions are ‘dreaming big’
Thomas Tuchel insists England are not among the World Cup favorites – but insists his side will be “dreaming big” in their bid to end their biggest tournament drought.
The Three Lions have not won a major men’s competition since 1966, which Tuchel believes is the reason why they are not considered favorites to lift the trophy.
According to the writers, England are the third favorites for the World Cup behind Spain and France – both of whom have won the major tournament in the last decade – but the Three Lions boss still sees his team as outsiders.
He told the media before England’s last match to prepare for the World Cup against Costa Rica: “No, we are not favourites, we cannot win because we have not won it for many years.
“There are players who have won the tournament who have been very successful in recent tournaments.
“When you dream big it comes with responsibility, the responsibility is in the effort, so that’s where the focus is, and we want to compete.
“We see ourselves as rivals, as opponents, and we want to go all the way, but I don’t think we are big favourites.”
Tuchel insists that England can win the World Cup
Even so, Tuchel did not hide that bringing the second star to the shirt of England is the goal, but he says that it will not come without putting hard yards.
He added: “But you can win it, of course, and we want to win it, but if we know what is needed, and it also requires a calm mind, and we focus on our steps.”
“If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we need to start the journey step by step.
“We need to go to the base camp, otherwise we will be distracted. So I believe, we all have a belief, we all have a dream. But it comes with work and hard work and commitment and discipline.
“Sometimes there are disappointments and obstacles. All this is included, but we try, we try to dream, and it is important.”
England vs Costa Rica: The starters will get 60-70 minutes
England face Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday evening and Tuchel says the starters are likely to play at least one hour to 70 minutes, having fielded two different XIs in Saturday’s 1-0 win over New Zealand.
Tuchel added: “No one needs to rest. Everyone is available which is great news. No [injury] complaints after the first game.
“[We’ve had] one recovery day and two good training sessions. We are ready to push it tomorrow; which means more than 45 minutes. The players will play 60, maybe 70 minutes. We will make this decision this afternoon.
Then, we have the opportunity to load the players after the day of the game behind closed doors in our training facility, and then the pre-camp is completed. We then started our journey after two days in Kansas.
“Tomorrow, we expect to push physically tomorrow. [with] intensity and style and play. We want to take the next step and we feel ready.”
