England at the World Football Forum: Can the Three Lions finally win the trophy?

In mid-June, the long-awaited championship kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bringing together 48 of the world’s best national teams. The legal brand 1xBet Ireland takes a closer look at Thomas Tuchel’s squad and assesses England’s chances at the main football tournament of the year.

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England’s confident qualification campaign 

Thomas Tuchel’s side delivered a dominant performance during the qualification campaign for WC2026. England’s opponents in the group were Albania, Latvia, Andorra, and Serbia. The Three Lions had no trouble in any of their eight matches, winning every single game. Even more impressive were the team’s overall statistics: England scored 22 goals and conceded none. 

Tuchel’s bold decisions 

England’s squad selection for the main football tournament sparked heated debates among fans around the world. The Three Lions’ head coach left several star players out of the tournament roster, including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Leaving out such talented footballers may seem like a risky move, but the German manager has his reasons. Tuchel chose players who perfectly fit his tactical system and would not disrupt the team structure in favour of individual actions.

Current form also played an important role in the manager’s decision-making. Foden struggled to secure a regular place in Manchester City’s starting lineup during the second half of the season, while Trent’s performances for Real Madrid were inconsistent and heavily criticised. Cole Palmer also had an underwhelming season with Chelsea and had not yet established himself as a key figure for the national team. At the same time, less high-profile players such as Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa enjoyed excellent seasons and fully deserved their places in the squad.

What kind of football do the Three Lions play?

Thomas Tuchel prefers a 4-2-3-1 tactical setup, focusing on strict defensive positioning and vertical ball progression after regaining possession. During positional attacks, the team often keeps three players deeper while the full-backs push higher up the pitch to overload the flanks and stretch the opposition’s defence. 

A key figure in midfield is Declan Rice, who not only contributes heavily to winning the ball back but also controls the tempo of the game with his excellent short passing. Slightly closer to the attacking line operates Jude Bellingham, whose role is to create chances for teammates and make timely runs into the penalty area. Both players possess powerful long-range shooting ability and can change the course of a match with a single strike from distance. 

England’s main attacking weapon is unstoppable captain Harry Kane. During the 2025/2026 campaign, the striker displayed phenomenal scoring form for Bayern, netting 61 goals in 51 matches. Kane is also the all-time top scorer for the Three Lions, with 78 goals. England’s hopes rest firmly on his shoulders.  

It’s coming home

The draw placed England in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

The Balkan side has traditionally performed strongly at major tournaments: in 2018, Croatia reached the final after defeating England in the semi-finals, while in 2022 they claimed bronze. Ghana is a physically powerful and resilient team featuring players from top European leagues. Panama is the clear underdogs of the group, the one England famously crushed 6-1 at the 2018 tournament. 

Matches against Croatia and Ghana are expected to be challenging. Still, the Three Lions remain favourites to top the group and are considered one of the main contenders for the title. England possesses a powerful and balanced squad, a highly successful club-level manager, and devoted supporters who will once again sing the famous It’s Coming Home in the hope that, after 60 years, football’s greatest trophy will finally return to its homeland. 

Follow the Three Lions at the summer tournament and make your predictions on the platform of the legal brand 1xBet Ireland! 
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