26 June 1990 - World Cup - England v Belgium Paul Gascoigne celebrates after taking the free kick that led to the winning goal for England. Photo: Mark Leech.
Paul Gascoigne has expressed cautious optimism regarding England’s chances at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States. As the team prepares to compete for the first time in 60 years without securing a major title, Gascoigne reflected on the challenges ahead while acknowledging the potential for success.
England has not won a World Cup since their memorable victory in 1966. The last time they reached the semi-finals was during the Italia ’90 tournament, where they lost to West Germany in a penalty shootout. Gascoigne, a key player during that tournament, is remembered for both his exceptional talent and emotional display when he received a yellow card that prevented him from participating in the final stages of the competition.
Despite his current distance from regular football viewership, Gascoigne stated, “I’ll probably watch the World Cup, but not every game,” indicating his intention to support Thomas Tuchel, England’s new coach. Tuchel took over following Gareth Southgate‘s resignation after a disappointing defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Challenges Ahead for the Three Lions
England’s path to glory will not be easy. They have been drawn into a challenging group featuring Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Gascoigne noted the competitive nature of international football, highlighting teams such as France, Portugal, Germany, Brazil, and Argentina as formidable opponents. He remarked, “It’s going to be a hard task for England to win the World Cup – we have a chance like everyone else, but every player has got to be on it, you can’t afford to carry anybody.”
Reflecting on England’s historical struggles, Gascoigne added, “We’ve been saying that since 1966 – we got close when Chris Waddle hit the post in extra-time in 1990.” His words capture the hopes and frustrations of a nation that has long awaited success on the world stage.
Gascoigne’s sentiments resonate with many supporters who have witnessed England come close to triumph in recent years, including a semi-final appearance at the 2018 World Cup and two finals in the European Championship. Under Southgate’s leadership, the team showed promise, but the ultimate goal remained elusive.
A New Era for England Football
The transition to Tuchel as head coach marks a new chapter for England. Fans are curious to see how his coaching style will influence the team’s performance. Gascoigne, while acknowledging the quality of the squad, emphasized the importance of unity and readiness among the players.
“It was a shame for Gareth; he’s a great guy,” Gascoigne stated, underscoring the respect he holds for Southgate’s contributions to the team. The upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity for England to build on recent successes and potentially secure their place in football history.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, the nation’s hopes rest on the shoulders of Tuchel and his squad. With a blend of talent, determination, and strategic coaching, England aims to overcome decades of disappointment and finally claim a coveted World Cup title. The journey promises to be one filled with excitement and anticipation as fans look forward to seeing their team take on the world once again.
