England 13/2 to win 2026 World Cup following Thomas Tuchel appointment

Liam Williams Updated: 16 Oct 24 15:04

England are 13/2 third-favourites to win the 2026 World Cup following reports German Thomas Tuchel is set to take over as Three Lions boss.

2026 World Cup odds

The Three Lions reached a second consecutive Euros final but came up short once again with Spain running out 2-1 winners. There's no doubting the ability of the players and it has now recently become clear who will lead the side in North America after the FA turned to former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel.

When every major tournament reaches its conclusion, attentions immediately turn to the next one in two years’ time, and whether some of the current crop might have made their last major appearance in an England shirt.

But apart from Kyle Walker, who’ll be 36, most of the current side will likely still be there in some capacity. Harry Kane will be knocking on the door of 33 and John Stones will have just turned 32, though most of England’s stars will be around their prime.

The likes of Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer will still be in their early 20s, with the crop of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be in their mid-20s.

The last time the World Cup was held in the United States, England weren’t in attendance having failed to qualify, though that prospect shouldn't concern them this time around.

Providing Tuchel hits the ground running and they qualify with ease, England can go into the tournament safe in the knowledge their players are able to compete with anybody else's.

Despite mixed reviews to his appointment, Tuchel's record in cup competitions speaks for itself.

An astute tactician, the German guided Chelsea to UEFA Champions League glory in 2020/21 and recorded domestic cup successes during stints with Borussia Dortmund and PSG. He also led Chelsea to the EFL Cup final and FA Cup final in 2022, though suffered agonising defeats to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool in both matches.

England have desperately required a tactical edge in the closing stages of major tournaments and Tuchel's acumen can be the difference in tight encounters.