&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "'Tonight we can dare to dream again': Keir Starmer rallies behind England ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia")
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says England can ‘dare to dream’ at the World Cup but is refusing to tempt fate by promising a Bank Holiday if the Three Lions lift the trophy. Starmer is set to watch England's opening World Cup clash against Croatia at Downing Street on Wednesday evening after returning from the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
Speaking about England's chances, Starmer said, “I’m not gonna jinx the World Cup but, you know, the last time we won the World Cup it was a Labour government. And so it’s absolutely clear that we only win World Cups under a Labour government. So let’s hope that this is the next opportunity. He’s got a great squad. This is going to be a good game tonight, probably the hardest in the group games this evening. We’re looking forward to seeing the starting lineup what it’s going to be. And don’t take it that the lineups in the friendlies are going to be the starting lineup for tonight.”
The Prime Minister, an Arsenal supporter, attended England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain and believes the current squad can challenge for World Cup glory. “Tonight we can dare to dream again, because we have a brilliant three lions squad, packed with all the talent and experience to get that second star on the shirt,” Starmer said. “Like every England fan, I’ll be roaring on Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane, and the entire England squad. Come on England!”
We have a young group: Tuchel
Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed suggestions of dramatically changing the team’s playing style despite the intense World Cup heat. Since taking charge in January 2025, Tuchel has emphasised the physical strengths of English football and believes England should continue to play with intensity and power.
Trending Stories
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Google reveals Pixel 11 Pro design ahead of launch as new ‘Pixel Glow’ feature steals the show
)
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Match Card: Night 1 & Night 2 schedule, main events & full lineup
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Pakistan Broad Peak avalanche: Body of US's Mallory Geis identified; Nirmal Purja, 9 others remain missing
)
'Exercise caution and heightened vigilance': US issues travel advisory for its citizens in Middle East
)
Pakistan avalanche: Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja confirmed dead
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet the next gen of South Cinema: From Rajinikanth's grandson to CM Vijay's son, star kids ready for debut
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
Russian e-retailer Ozon comes under Ukrainian drone attack amid Russia-Ukraine war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Mysterious structures uncovered beneath the Amazon show millions of humans once lived here
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Jared Leto controversy: Dylan Sprouse's old tweet resurfaces amid sexual assault allegations
)
Salman Khan enters Alliance to support brother, Sohail, netizens hail, 'tomorrow’s episode is going to be MASSIVE'
)
Tom Holland's Spider-Man’s next MCU appearance: Doomsday, Secret Wars? What the Brand New Day end-credits reveal
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
"Am I Worthy?" Ranbir Kapoor addresses backlash over playing Lord Ram in Ramayana: Part 1
)
Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
)
Harry Potter returning to theatres with unseen footage to celebrate 25 years of movie magic
)
'Days of threat culture over': Bengal CM assures safety as Taslima Nasreen returns after 19 years
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 31, 2026): The Vacation Principle, Rao Bahadur, Chum- Watch 6 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
Ceuta migrant crisis: 67 dead as Spain says most migrants return to Morocco
)
German anatomist 'Dr Death's' family to grant his creepy last wish
The German coach has reflected that philosophy in his squad selections, favoring athleticism, strength and direct running in his 26-man World Cup squad. Discussing England’s approach, Tuchel said, “They want to be active with the ball. We have a young group. We have a courageous group. We have a brave group of players. So let's go for it. I mean, no-one guarantees you that we win. So we want to at least try it, our style and our belief."
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday night, with hopes high that Tuchel’s talented squad can make a strong start and launch a serious challenge for the trophy.
