England finished third, but did the World Cup leave renewed belief or lingering regret? CHRIS ELDERGILL brings together the verdicts of The Sixty Six's expert writers on Thomas Tuchel, Jude Bellingham and the defining moments of England's summer.
21.07.26Opinion
England’s World Cup ended in familiar pain against Argentina, but the bigger question is what comes next. GARY JORDAN assesses which players can lead the team into Euro 2028, who may fall away and whether 2030 will come too late for some.
16.07.26Opinion
England were on course for the World Cup Final until the game turned. PHIL MARTIN examines the tactical decisions that shifted momentum, why Argentina seized control and the questions Thomas Tuchel must now answer.
England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina is loaded with history, emotion and expectation. ROBERT TAYLOR argues that victory would eclipse even 1966 as England's greatest ever football triumph.
14.07.26Opinion
England dominated, fell behind to a freak goal, survived VAR drama and needed extra time before Jude Bellingham delivered once more. On another breathless night, this time in Miami, Thomas Tuchel's side found a way through, writes PHIL MARTIN.
12.07.26Opinion
Where does England's extraordinary victory over Mexico rank among the greatest performances of the modern era? ROBERT TAYLOR weighs it against decades of World Cup and European Championship history, and explains why this one may stand above them all.
06.07.26Opinion
GARY JORDAN assesses England's biggest challenge of the World Cup so far as Thomas Tuchel wrestles with key selection dilemmas before a daunting last-16 showdown with hosts Mexico. Can the Three Lions finally hit top form when it matters most?
04.07.26Opinion
England has grown so accustomed to Harry Kane's brilliance that it barely notices it anymore. But after dragging his country back from the brink against the DR Congo, DAVE KIDD argues this World Cup could finally restore the appreciation England's record goalscorer deserves.
02.07.26Opinion
England's World Cup journey heads to the iconic Azteca, where history, altitude and a passionate home crowd await against Mexico. Can Harry Kane inspire another famous victory and take England into the semi-finals? PHIL MARTIN explores the challenge that could define England's tournament.
Jude Bellingham has moved from key player to focal point in England’s World Cup campaign. His performance against Panama underlined his importance to our chances. If he can maintain these levels, that might define just how far Thomas Tuchel’s side go writes PHIL MARTIN.
29.06.26Opinion
England controlled the ball if not the outcome in the Boston Stadium, as Ghana’s resistance exposed familiar issues. PHIL MARTIN dissects a frustrating display that raises questions despite late chances to win it and Thomas Tuchel's men all but booking their place in the knockout phase.
24.06.26Opinion
A brutal half-time intervention, a second-half surge and a shift in tone – but is it enough? ROB SHEPHERD explores how Thomas Tuchel has changed England’s mood and message.
20.06.26Opinion
England exploded into life in Dallas, blending attacking swagger with cutting edge as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham inspired a statement win over Croatia. Under Thomas Tuchel, there is a clear identity taking shape: bold, intelligent and ruthlessly effective. This might just be the start of something, writes PHIL MARTIN.
18.06.26Opinion
England have played at 11 World Cup finals since 1966. Yet ROB TAYLOR believes every tournament has followed just five familiar storylines. As another campaign begins, which ending awaits England this time?
14.06.26Opinion
Jude Bellingham divides opinion like no England player of his generation. Yet as World Cup debate grows over Morgan Rogers and the No 10 role, DAVE KIDD argues there is only one man Thomas Tuchel can build this team around.
12.06.26Opinion
The waiting is almost over. By the time the sun dips across Mexico this afternoon, the World Cup will have begun in earnest. For England, the campaign starts next Wednesday inside the air‑conditioned AT&T Stadium in Dallas, but the sense of anticipation has already begun to swell. It always does, but PHIL MARTIN feels it's time for balance.
11.06.26Opinion
The World Cup is almost here. With England preparing for their final warm-up match, debate rages over Thomas Tuchel’s plans, Harry Kane’s importance and the challenges that await in America. CHRIS ELDERGILL examines the stories, talking points and wider narratives shaping the tournament before kick-off.
10.06.26Opinion
England’s World Cup chances were boosted last May when Dan Ashworth returned as chief football officer. It went largely unnoticed, but PHIL MARTIN explains why his influence on culture, clarity and standards could be vital this summer.
01.06.26Opinion
Thomas Tuchel has ripped up assumptions with a ruthless England squad built on clarity, balance and conviction. CHRIS ELDERGILL gathers reaction from The Sixty Six writers as Tuchel leaves behind some of the biggest names in English football.
22.05.26Opinion
From Gazza’s tears to Kane’s near-misses, ROBERT TAYLOR has lived every England heartbreak. Ahead of the 26-man squad announcement later today, he reveals how history, loyalty and hard lessons shape his own personal pick.
After nine World Cups, ANDY MILNE knows what it takes to win. His England 26 reflects the miles he's put in, the hard-earned lessons, and delivers a well-balanced squad. How close it is to the final selection, time will tell.
For years England’s so-called ‘golden generation’ defined failure. Now, as Thomas Tuchel prepares for the World Cup, DAVE KIDD argues the real golden generation is the battle-hardened core still carrying England’s hopes – from Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford to John Stones and Jordan Henderson.
14.05.26Opinion
For years, Harry Kane has arrived at tournaments running on empty. Now, as PHIL MARTIN reports, a carefully managed season at Bayern Munich offers something new: sharpness, freshness and a chance to finally dominate on the biggest stage.
23.04.26Opinion
The romantic idea of teenage stars at World Cups still seduces English football. But as Max Dowman’s name gathers momentum, CHRIS ELDERGILL explains why patience, not nostalgia, is crucial if England are to protect this generational talent.
19.04.26Opinion
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