The 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA is just 100 days away and, although many questions swirl in the air about the tournament, from potential on-field such as the how the weather and the expanded format will affect matches to a myriad of off-field issues, England's recent results under Thomas Tuchel have seen a quiet confidence grow about their chances of going deep into the competition.
Potential injury problems will be back of all the coaches' minds but Tuchel at this stage has the enviable problem of how to accomodate a number of stellar talents into both his squad and his team.
The head coach will certainly be leaving nothing to chance in his preparation and the recent announcement of a contract extension was designed to take away the prospect of speculation over his future breaking out before, or during, the tournament.
For England supporters, the vast majority will be preparing for a summer of beer gardens or gatherings at home, given the cost and logistics of following the team through a 48-team competition being played across such a huge area.
The first matches are well-timed for such events, England kicking off at 9pm UK time against Croatia and Ghana on a Wednesday and Tuesday evening respectively before a Saturday evening, 10pm, start for the game with Panama that completes the group stage.
