World Cup England Predictions: How far will the Three Lions go?

The FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday but England will have to wait until the following Wednesday to get their tournament underway against Croatia. 

Thomas Tuchel has been tasked with masterminding a World Cup win, and below you can find our World Cup England Predictions.

World Cup 2026 Odds

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Simon: Semi-finals @ 5/1

So England are the third favourites to win this World Cup, behind Spain and France. However, if they both win their group they will likely avoid that pair of giants until the the final. However, I just don't believe England will be able to produce their best stuff in the USA, against a giant of world football. I think they should win their group, although there is likely to be a traditionally dour draw against one of Croatia, Panama or Ghana.

They should cruise through the group, and then a last 32 game against somebody like Senegal could prove tricky, but they should progress. The real concern comes with a last-16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City, but on paper, the Three Lions are far superior. Brazil may await in the quarters should they make it through, and I'm just not convinced about Carlo Ancelotti's men in this tournament, so England should be favourites again.

A semi-final against Portugal though feels like a big ask to win. The Portuguese are my tip to go all the way and their midfield is a level above England's, with a few PSG stars littered in their squad. 2004 was painful, 2006 was heartbreaking, but another defeat to Portugal would be brutal to handle. I just think they have big players for big moments.

England can win this World Cup... I'm just not sure they will.

World Cup Predictions

Conor: Quarter-finals @ 10/3

The 60 years of hurt will not come to an end in 2026. That's my opinion. England have built up their profile on the international stage over the past eight years but I still think they are still lacking the tools required to get them over the line.

Thomas Tuchel is a well-regarded coach when it comes to tournament football but I've always been skeptical of the German tactician because I don't think his style of play is the most inspiring, even if it's proven to be effective.

We're also heading into a World Cup and there are conversations about Jude Bellingham potentially not making the starting line-up, which is concerning. Morgan Rogers is a very talented player but I'm not convinced he should get the nod ahead of Bellingham.

If there's a way to play them both, I would consider it. I think both are better at creating chances than the wide options going to the World Cup. If you read my comments in our England squad predictions piece, you'll be aware that I think England's lack of world-class wingers is holding them back from becoming a frightening force.

There's not doubt that there are some very talented players going to this World Cup, so I'll set the scene. England will cruise through a relatively easy group and the expectations will be raised.

The Three Lions will then likely have some awkward performances in the early rounds of the knockout stage and scrape their way through. I then predict England will face tricky opponents in the quarter-finals and struggle to make their mark.

Nick: Semi-finals

I'm with Simon here.

Given Spain and France are likely to be on the other side of the draw, the Three Lions stand a great chance of making the final four in the USA.

Brazil is a tough potential quarter-final, but they're not the Selecao of old, and I like Tuchel's squad selection, for the most part.

It may not be pretty, but a semi-final is well in sight for England here.

Football Predictions