Capello warns Tuchel England must stop playing with fear at World Cup 2026

Former England manager Fabio Capello says Tuchel’s team must overcome their fear to win the 2026 World Cup.

Tuchel faces England’s fear issue Thomas Tuchel needs to solve England’s habit of playing with fear if they hope to lift the World Cup trophy this summer, according to former manager Fabio Capello. Capello managed the Three Lions at the 2010 World Cup, where they scored just three goals in four matches and bowed out in the Round of 16. He argued the players appeared exhausted and pinned the blame on the absence of a winter break in the English season. Gareth Southgate guided England to two consecutive Euro finals and reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2022. ## Capello critiques England’s mentality Capello highlighted England’s mental fragility, pointing to their Euro 2020 final against Italy. He recalled England took an early lead but then stopped playing and operated out of fear. 'This is the problem for England. They are tired and they fear. The manager, he has to cancel these two things,' he stated. He added that England’s performance against Italy reflected their tendency to tighten up after gaining an advantage. ## Tuchel’s recent challenges Tuchel took over from Southgate in 2024 and guided England to qualification for the 2026 World Cup without dropping a point. Yet, England struggled in friendlies last month, drawing 1-1 with Uruguay and losing 1-0 to Japan. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July across venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The team faces top-20 opposition with no victories in three recent matches.