England’s national soccer team is poised to begin its campaign at the upcoming World Cup, aiming to end a 60-year wait for a major championship title. Striker Harry Kane, along with emerging talents such as winger Bukayo Saka and midfielders Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, are among the key players expected to lead the team’s efforts.

The England squad will enter the tournament under the direction of head coach Thomas Tuchel, marking his first World Cup at the helm since being appointed in 2024. Tuchel succeeded Gareth Southgate, who held the position for several years but was among 14 consecutive England managers unable to secure a World Cup victory. Tuchel’s appointment attracted considerable attention and mixed reactions, particularly within the British media, due to his German nationality—a sensitive issue given the historic sporting rivalry between England and Germany.

Tuchel has acknowledged the controversy surrounding his hiring but expressed his commitment to the role and the country. “I’m sorry, I have a German passport,” Tuchel said at the time of his appointment with a laugh. “Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them that I’m proud to be the England manager and I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country.”

England is favored to advance from Group L, which features Panama, Croatia, and Ghana as their opponents. The team’s opening match is scheduled for June 17 against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with a subsequent game against Panama slated for June 27 at MetLife Stadium.

Kane expressed confidence in the team’s overall ability but emphasized the need to maintain composure during critical moments. “We definitely have the quality to do it,” Kane said. “Now it’s about having the quality to handle those moments.”

As England prepares for its World Cup run, expectations are high both for the squad’s performance and for Tuchel’s ability to lead the team beyond its historical limitations and into championship contention.