Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has backed England as a top contender to win the FIFA World Cup 2026.
England has played two matches so far in Group L of the tournament: a 4-2 opening victory against Croatia and a 0-0 draw against Ghana. Their final group stage match is against Panama.
In a chat with Beast Mode On Podcast, the Portuguese tactician expressed strong confidence in the English squad’s ability to go all the way.
“I always say England [will be in contention to make the final]. I look to the players, and we come from that generation, [Frank] Lampard, [Steven] Gerrard, [John] Terry, [Rio] Ferdinand, [David] Beckham. Since then, I always say England, and then it doesn’t happen, but I always say England.”
“When you lose on penalties you are speaking about details and they lost on penalties once, in the Euro 2004 in Portugal… Portugal beat them on penalties too. Penalties are just little clicks.
“I believe they have more pressure than anybody else in relation to the media. And the media, at the end of the day, they influence the people a lot – in this case the English fans.
“Expectation. Responsibility. They couldn’t cope with it. They always had good coaches. They have another good coach again. I always think they can [win the World Cup].”
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Recall that Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as first-team head coach, signing a three-year contract that runs until June 30, 2029.
The Portuguese tactician arrives after his successful spell at Benfica, bringing his hallmark intensity back to the Bernabéu 13 years after his first departure.
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Source: Complete Sports
