Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said England are likely to struggle at the upcoming World Cup.
His assessment comes as the national team prepares for the tournament, which will be held in 2026 [2] across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [2]. The critique suggests that despite individual talent, systemic issues within the squad could hinder their progress on the global stage.
Carragher shared his views during a Sky Sports Football interview. He focused on tactical and selection concerns that he believes limit the team's overall performance [3, 4]. Despite these worries, England recently secured a 4-2 [1] victory over Croatia in a World Cup group-stage match [1].
"England will struggle at the World Cup," Carragher said [2].
The pundit indicated that recent results may not be a complete indicator of the team's health. He noted that tactical vulnerabilities remain a primary concern for the squad's chances of deep advancement in the competition [3, 4].
"I’m not optimistic about England’s chances – I have a big fear about the squad," Carragher said [3].
Carragher's analysis emphasizes a disconnect between winning individual matches and possessing the tactical stability required to win a tournament. He suggested that the current squad composition may not be optimized for the pressures of the 2026 competition [3, 4].
“"England will struggle at the World Cup."”
Carragher's warnings highlight a recurring tension in English football between strong statistical performances in group stages and the tactical rigidity often encountered in knockout rounds. By flagging a 'big fear' regarding the squad, he suggests that the current roster may lack the versatility or leadership needed to navigate a tournament hosted across three different North American countries.
