Tuchel Dismisses “Curse” Talk as England Aim to End Trophy Drought
LONDON, England – England manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed the notion of a “curse” on the men’s national team as they prepare for their latest attempt to end a 58-year wait for a major trophy in next year’s World Cup.
Speaking ahead of England’s qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, the German coach pointed to the recent successes of the England women’s team and the men’s Under-21 side as proof that winning is “possible” within the English system. The senior men’s team has not lifted a trophy since the 1966 World Cup, despite reaching the final of the last two European Championships.
“Not at all,” Tuchel said when asked if the women’s back-to-back Euros titles and the U21s’ consecutive European championships added pressure. “If it is something, then it is a good omen… It is possible, there is no curse on English teams.”
Tuchel did, however, acknowledge the weight of expectation from supporters, many of whom tell him to “Bring it home.” He will be without experienced defender John Stones for the upcoming matches due to a muscular injury, but confirmed captain Harry Kane will start against 174th-ranked Andorra on Saturday.
England labored to a 1-0 victory over Andorra in their previous meeting in June, and Tuchel emphasized the need to break down a deep-lying defensive block with more “rhythm and aggression.” The team currently leads Group K in UEFA qualifying, with the group winner advancing directly to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Tuchel’s challenge remains clear: translate the nation’s developing winning culture at other levels into long-awaited senior men’s success.