Thomas Tuchel has played down England’s chances of winning the World Cup, admitting they are not among the favourites to end 60 years of hurt.
England head into the World Cup as third favourites with the bookmakers, just behind Spain and France, but have not won a major trophy since 1966.
Tuchel feels that a lack of previous silverware at tournament level means England remain behind other nations in terms of the pecking order.
Ahead of England’s final warm-up fixture with Costa Rica on Wednesday, manager Tuchel said: “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long.
“There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites. We can compete for the trophy and dream big. We know what it takes. Our responsibility is on the effort – this is where the focus is – we see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way. I don’t think we’re heavy favourites.
“But we want to win. We know what it takes. It takes a calm mind and focus on our steps. If we want to reach the top of the mountain we go step-by-step otherwise we will get distracted. I have belief but it comes with responsibility, hard work, discipline and deal with setbacks. We dare to dream.”
Tuchel’s side are putting the final touches to their pre-World Cup training camp in Miami as they bid to prepare themselves for what is to come weather-wise in the USA.
Tuchel has 31 players to choose from against Costa Rica, with England’s 26-man tournament squad complemented by training players Rio Ngumoha, Alex Scott, Josh King, Ethan Nwaneri and Jason Steele.
The England boss is “ready to give it a push” after only allowing players 45 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 win against New Zealand in Tampa, meaning some will get 60 or more minutes on Wednesday as they start to look ahead to taking on Croatia in their Group L opener on June 17.
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Between the Lines takes a closer look at the numbers behind the World Cup and asks whether the stats suggest that England really can win the tournament for the first time in 60 years.
Tuchel said: “In recent tournaments England have been there, semi-finals, finals. Once you reach a quarter-final you can win any competition and go all the way. It’s important not to digest the tournament in one piece. At the moment this is prep-camp and next stage is the group stage.
“At club football I always make sure you win your group and don’t get distracted or overthink. Once you reach the quarter-final you can think about going all the way then the belief will be there. There will be lots of respect for our opponents and don’t underestimate the level of luck you need with injuries and decisions. We go step by step. At the moment we’re exactly where we want to be.”
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