DAZN Panel's World Cup predictions: How far will England go at the 2026 World Cup?

The wait is over; one week on from the start of the 2026 World Cup, England's tournament gets underway in Dallas as they open their campaign. 

The Three Lions open Group L with a clash against Croatia, arguably one of the toughest opening games of the first round, and who they last met in defeat in the semi-finals of the 2018 competition. 

After the Croats, it's games against Ghana and Panama, as Thomas Tuchel's men look to live up to their billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

But how far will England get in North America? The DAZN News Panel has had their say... 

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Ash Rose 

Final 

In truth, I retired from 'Football's Coming Home' after the Euro 2024 defeat to Spain, but as World Cup fever takes control I find myself hoping and dreaming once again. 

What do I actually think? Well, given England's recent record in major competitions, anything less than a quarter-final would almost be a failure and this England team can do so much more. 

For me, having Harry Kane in the form of his life and in better form than any Three Lions player has been going into a major finals is such a huge factor. 

If Kane can carry that form into the competition, there's every chance they make the final. His supporting cast isn't bad either, but it's made to get the best out of the Ballon d'Or contender and rightfully so. 

I have slight concerns in defence, but only if there's a major injury, yet our bench and the attacking options could be a huge advantage, too. 

Semi-final at a minimum, but I have a sneaky feeling we'll be in New York come the end of July...and then who knows. 

Matt Astbury 

Quarter-final 

England should navigate the group stage with ease and get past the rounds of 32 and 16, which will include a trip to Mexico City to face Mexico. 

But unfortunately, the quarter-finals is where I think England’s World Cup journey will end. It’s looking like they will meet Brazil, and what sets both teams apart is the ability to produce a moment of magic. 

Brazil may not be the force they once were, however, they still have players who can deliver in the big moments, and for England, if things do not go their way, I do not see where this game-changing moment will come from in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Jason Abbey 

Semi-finals

I desperately want to say we'll go all the way, and I think we'll come close, but I won't let myself look beyond the semis.

If things go the way I expect, we'll top our group, breeze past the Round of 32, beat Mexico, then pull off an impressive win over Brazil before facing familiar foes Argentina in the final four.

As much as it pains me to admit it, after watching Messi against Algeria, the Three Lions would need to be at their very best to get a result there, and a loss wouldn't surprise me.

We've got a few world-class players, but we're still too reliant on Kane, and I think that hurts us against the top sides unless a handful of others play out of their skins. They can do that on occasion, but doing so consistently and against the world's best is a tall order.

Let's hope I'm wrong!

Gareth Jones 

Quarter-final

I like Tuchel’s pragmatic approach to the tournament, although it could be dull to watch.

But once up against the very best sides, who have such clever and rapid movement, like France or Morocco, then I can’t see their defence holding up.

We saw it in 2022 against the French. Two quick, sharp attacks and two goals, while England had to rely on penalty appeals to create their chances and I don’t think much has moved on since then.

Rudi Schuller

Final

As a Canadian with no emotional connection to the Three Lions, I might have a less cynical view of the team than many from England do.

Yes, I'm well aware of the team's shortcomings and their lack of game-breaking talent outside of Harry Kane, but in this England squad I see a reasonably well-balanced side chosen by a pragmatic head coach who has proven himself in tournament football.

I think this England side has the depth and know-how to go far, and they could get better as the competition wears on. While not blessed with the awe-inspiring squad of France, Portugal or Spain, I think the Three Lions' recent experiences in major tournaments should bode well for them.

Or it could go all wrong at the quarter-final stage. That's the beauty of the World Cup!

 

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