Tuchel: England 'not favourites' for World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has played down England's chances of winning the World Cup, admitting they are not among the favourites to end 60 years of hurt.

England head into the World Cup as third favourites with the bookmakers, just behind Spain and France, but have not won a major trophy since 1966.

Tuchel feels that a lack of previous silverware at tournament level means England remain behind other nations in terms of the pecking order.

Ahead of England's final warm-up fixture with Costa Rica on Wednesday, manager Tuchel said: "We can't be one of the favourites as we haven't won it for so long.

"There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites. We can compete for the trophy and dream big. We know what it takes. Our responsibility is on the effort - this is where the focus is - we see ourselves as competitors and challengers. We want to go all the way. I don't think we're heavy favourites.

"But we want to win. We know what it takes. It takes a calm mind and focus on our steps. If we want to reach the top of the mountain we go step-by-step otherwise we will get distracted. I have belief but it comes with responsibility, hard work, discipline and deal with setbacks. We dare to dream."

Tuchel's side are putting the final touches to their pre-World Cup training camp in Miami as they bid to prepare themselves for what is to come weather-wise in the USA.

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