Thomas Tuchel has weighed in on whether England should be considered ‘heavy favourites’ to win the World Cup.
England are undoubtedly one of the heavy hitters heading into this summer’s World Cup, alongside the likes of Spain and France.
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Some bookmakers in the US have put Tuchel’s side as the third favourites to win the tournament outright.
Speaking ahead of their friendly against Costa Rica, Tuchel has pushed back against that narrative.
“How many favourites are there?” he said.
“No, we’re not the top favourites. We can’t be because we haven’t won it for so many years. There are proven winners in the tournament with more success.
“We compete, we dream big and we know what it takes. Responsibility is on the effort and that is where the focus is.
“We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way but I don’t think we are the heavy favourites.
“It’s absolutely relevant (England reaching two Euros finals). If you get to two Euros finals, and reach semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup, then you are there – then you can win it.
“Then maybe it just takes a bit of luck or whatever. I strongly believe we are there, but I also believe we are not the favourites because of the history.
“We know what it takes, and it also requires a calm mindset and focus on our steps. If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we need to start the journey step by step. Otherwise, we’ll get distracted.
“I have belief. We all have belief and a dream. But it comes with hard work, responsibility, commitment and discipline – and sometimes disappointment.
“That’s all part of it. But we dare to dream, and that’s important.”
