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Say it quietly, but this might finally be the year that England cracks their FIFA World Cup curse. Winless in the big one since that fated final in 1966, England could finally end sixty years of pain and hurt in some style this summer. As they head off to the United States to compete with the best of the best, it would be fair to say that England has arguably never been in better form than it is now.

England World Cup Winners: What Do The Bookmakers Say?

If you believe the bookmakers and you are an England fan, prepare to be delighted. If you’ve spent most of your sporting fandom life worrying about an English win, look away now!

• Ladbrokes make England second-favourites to win the trophy, rating them at 6s.
• Betfred also give the Three Lions incredible odds to win, ranking them at 6s.

These figures give you a clear example of how highly rated England is. In fact, in terms of odds at both bookies, they come out on top of the likes of Argentina, France, and Brazil. Outsiders like Germany and Portugal are all much further down the list.

In fact, the only team that gets ahead of England on their bookies' odds is Spain (4s @ Ladbrokes & Betfred). Given that Spain broke English hearts at the last European Championships, most bookies see La Roja as the only team that could potentially stop a Three Lions win.

England At International Tournaments: What Does History Say?

The last time England lost a competitive international game was a shock 1-2 reverse at home to Greece. Before that, they lost to Spain in the European Championship final in Berlin. Their only loss since that defeat to Greece in October 2024, though, was a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal, in which they experimented quite significantly.

In fact, England came through qualifying in such a manner that it’s almost laughable. They never conceded a single goal in qualifying, walking through a group containing Andorra, Latvia, Albania, and Serbia. While hardly the elite of European football, you still need to beat who is in front of you.

Recent tournaments have brought some of the best results in recent English history, too. They came fourth in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and finished sixth in 2022. They are also back-to-back runners-up in the Euros, so England have been on a good run in recent tournaments, which only builds belief.

What Does The England Team Look Like Going Into 2026?

And while squads can shift quite dramatically, the Three Lions do call upon a very strong contingent of Premier League players. Harry Kane, their all-time top scorer and arguably the best No. 9 in world football, is one of the only main starters who play outside of England. The fact that he plays for a Bayern Munich team that is breaking all manner of records is hardly a step down, though!

They’ll be able to call upon world-class talents like Jude Bellingham, who is a stalwart for none other than Real Madrid. Marcus Rashford should make the final squad, too, having impressed for Barcelona in Spain. They can also rely on a deep squad that comes from an Arsenal side that could potentially go on to win a treble – or better. The likes of Bukayo Saka, who has always shone for England, Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice offer an exceptional level of talent from England’s top club side.

Away from the tried-and-tested, the England squad is overflowing with exciting young talent and seasoned Premier League players. When Trent Alexander-Arnold can barely get into the team, that’s a sign of your incredible depth and quality. Jordan Pickford might not be a world-class goalkeeper, but he’s always saved his best form for England. Reliable performers like Marc Guehi, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins all offer consistency, firepower and big game nous as well.

At the back, the likes of Jarell Quansah, Elliott Anderson and Nico O’Reilly all offer exciting young talent who could come in and make a difference.

Does The Thomas Tuchel Factor Matter?

International football is hardly renowned for its best-of-the-best in the coaching tree. However, it would be fair to say that – if he resigned today – Thomas Tuchel would have his pick of the best jobs in European football. He’s an elite tactician and, despite an eccentric nature, a fantastic man manager. He definitely makes a difference: alongside Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps, he’s probably the best manager in the tournament.

Who Could Potentially Stop A Three Lions World Cup Win?

If you believe the bookies, only Spain is ahead of England as tournament favourites. They are one of the only nations, alongside France, that can match England’s blend of big-game players, technical quality and athleticism. Argentina have a shot, too, given their tournament dominance in recent years, though a large group of their key players are increasingly reaching post-peak age.

Outside of these four, though, it’s hard to make a case for major outsiders like Brazil, Portugal and Germany, who are either in transition or are too reliant on a core of players who have shrunk rather than shone on the biggest stage.

Frank Skinner and David Biedel might want to get the microphones back out: this looks like the year that It’s Coming Home.