Can England win the World Cup this summer? Sheffielders share their thoughts on Thomas Tuchel’s side

By Kurtis Leyland

Sports and Trends Writer

Published 22nd May 2026, 18:02 BST

Thomas Tuchel has named his England squad as he looks to end the nation’s long wait for a major trophy

England fans will need no reminding that it has been an eternity since they last won a major trophy.

The World Cup triumph of 1966, which happened three years before the landing of the moon and the introduction of coloured TV, remains the last time the Three Lions reigned supreme on the world stage.

Many generations of talented England stars have been and gone since then, including the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney along with icons of the 1990s such as Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer without ending that long wait for glory.

This crop of players featuring Harry Kane, John Stones, Jordan Pickford and Bukayo Saka among others has gone the closest to ending that - reaching the finals of both of the last two European Championships before falling short.

But can they go a step further this time in Thomas Tuchel’s first tournament in charge?

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Rich Hollingworth was just one of a number of readers to voice his concern about Thomas Tuchel's squad. Notable omissions include Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Sheffield's own Dominic Calvert Lewin and Harry Maguire.

1. Not with this squad

Rich Hollingworth was just one of a number of readers to voice his concern about Thomas Tuchel's squad. Notable omissions include Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Sheffield's own Dominic Calvert Lewin and Harry Maguire. | Getty Images

Robert Silcock expressed concerns about England's over reliance on Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich star is the Three Lions' all-time leading scorer with 78 heading into the tournament. He's also scored 58 this season alone for Bayern Munich in a stellar campaign.

2. If Kane gets injured or fails to perform, England will struggle

Robert Silcock expressed concerns about England's over reliance on Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich star is the Three Lions' all-time leading scorer with 78 heading into the tournament. He's also scored 58 this season alone for Bayern Munich in a stellar campaign. | Getty Images

Paul Windle expects England to fall short in the quarter-final. The Three Lions have been beaten at this stage in three of the last six World Cup tournaments.

3. Quarter-final exit

Paul Windle expects England to fall short in the quarter-final. The Three Lions have been beaten at this stage in three of the last six World Cup tournaments. | AFP via Getty Images

Paul Steels expects England to once again fall short at the final hurdle. The Three Lions suffered heartbreak against both Italy and Spain in the finals of the last two European Championships, but haven't progressed beyond the semi-final of the World Cup since winning the whole thing in 1966.

4. They will get to the final and lose

Paul Steels expects England to once again fall short at the final hurdle. The Three Lions suffered heartbreak against both Italy and Spain in the finals of the last two European Championships, but haven't progressed beyond the semi-final of the World Cup since winning the whole thing in 1966. | Getty Images

England Thomas Tuchel