World Cup 2026: England will not win World Cup if they do not improve, writes Phil McNulty
England has qualified for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup after finishing top of their group, despite unconvincing performances. Head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges the team must improve their play to succeed in the upcoming matches.
Why it matters
As a major international sporting event, the performance of the England national team is a significant cultural and media focus for global football fans.
Figure caption, England beat Panama to qualify for last 32 as Group L winners
The report provides a balanced critique of the team's performance, citing both the success of qualifying and the need for tactical improvement.
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