Fabio Capello warned Thomas Tuchel that England will fail at the World Cup unless the team stops playing with fear. Capello recalled the Euro 2020 final, where England seized an early lead against Italy only to finish 1‑1 and lose on penalties. The former manager accused the squad of backing off after a quick score.

Tuchel succeeded Gareth Southgate in 2024 and guided England to a flawless 100% record qualification run, but recent friendlies have undercut confidence. A 1‑1 draw with Uruguay and a 1‑0 defeat to Japan last month exposed nerves that could haunt the squad in the North American tournament from 11 June to 19 July.

Capello’s critique forces Tuchel to confront a psychological barrier that has cost England previous chances. If the coaching staff cannot erase the fear that flattens early leads, the team could repeat the Euro 2020 collapse. The World Cup will test whether the squad can translate a spotless qualification record into competitive fire.

England’s squad lineup features a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, but the psychological hurdle remains. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host matches that demand consistency and resilience. Tuchel’s next challenge: instill confidence so the side can dominate rather than merely survive the knockout stages. The Euro 2020 final still looms as a lesson.