England: Thomas Tuchel delivers verdict on 'heavy favourites' tag ahead of World Cup | OneFootball

Some bookmakers have installed England as third favourites in North America

That is the view of current England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who believes the Three Lions’ lack of tournament success is a factor when comparing his side to other successful nations.

It is 60 years since England last won a major tournament - with that being the World Cup in 1966.

Years of heartbreak have followed, losing back-to-back European Championship finals, while they have twice been involved in the third-place play-off match at the World Cup.

Ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America, England have been touted as one of the favourites - along with Spain, France and holders Argentina - but Tuchel disagrees, insisting they are not “heavy favourites”.

“How many favourites are there?” Tuchel said in the pre-Costa Rica press conference on Tuesday evening.

Thomas Tuchel’s England

Getty

"No, we're not the top favourites. We can't be because we haven't won it for so many years. There are proven winners in the tournament with more success.

“We compete, we dream big and we know what it takes. Responsibility is on the effort and that is where the focus is.

"We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way but I don't think we are the heavy favourites.

“It’s absolutely relevant [England reaching two Euros finals]. If you get to two Euros finals, and reach semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup, then you are there - then you can win it.

"Then maybe it just takes a bit of luck or whatever. I strongly believe we are there, but I also believe we are not the favourites because of the history.

We see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way but I don't think we are the heavy favourites

Thomas Tuchel

"We know what it takes, and it also requires a calm mindset and focus on our steps. If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we need to start the journey step by step. Otherwise, we’ll get distracted.

"I have belief. We all have belief and a dream. But it comes with hard work, responsibility, commitment and discipline - and sometimes disappointment.

“That’s all part of it. But we dare to dream, and that’s important.”

England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their group, and will hope to earn a kind first knockout game, but a host nation may well lie in await in the last-16 stage, and it could only get tougher from there.