"England have booked their place at the 2026 World Cup and so attention turns to how they might fare in North America next summer - and how some of their rivals are looking. Thomas Tuchel's contract runs to the end of the tournament and the feeling has been that England have gone all out to get to this point."
"Spain are the early bookmakers' favourites to win the World Cup - and with good reason. They were deserved winners at Euro 2024, beating England in the final. And in teenage Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal they have one of the best players in the world. Not counting a penalty shootout defeat in June's Nations League final against Portugal, they have not lost a competitive game since facing Scotland in March 2023. They have not yet qualified although sit top of Group E on maximum points."
"France, still managed by Didier Deschamps - who took charge in 2012 but will step down after the tournament - are aiming to reach their third World Cup final in a row. They beat Croatia in 2018 before losing to Argentina on penalties after a 3-3 draw in probably the greatest ever final in 2022. Key to their hopes will be Kylian Mbappe, who has hit 17 goals in 13 matches for Real Madrid and France this season. They top Group D by three points over Ukraine, following Monday's frustrating 2-2 draw with Iceland."
England have booked their place at the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's contract runs to the end of the tournament. Tuchel believes England will be "underdogs" because they have not won the World Cup for decades. Argentina and Brazil have both qualified and may gain advantage from the North American location. Seven of the eight World Cups held in the Americas have been won by a South American team. Ten of the 11 World Cups held in Europe have been won by European teams. Spain are early favourites after winning Euro 2024 and remain unbeaten in competitive games since March 2023. France, managed by Didier Deschamps who will step down after the tournament, aim for a third consecutive final with Kylian Mbappe in pivotal form.
Read at www.bbc.com
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