Thomas Tuchel gives verdict on England 'curse' and explains fan interactions ahead of Andorra clash

Thomas Tuchel England

Thomas Tuchel has insisted there's no curse on the England senior team ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifying clash with Andorra

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PA

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 05/09/2025

- 13:12

Updated: 05/09/2025

- 13:55

The Three Lions will be hoping to pick up three points during Saturday night's clash at Villa Park

Thomas Tuchel has insisted there's no curse on the England senior team ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifying clash with Andorra.

The Three Lions haven't won any silverware since 1966 and, under Gareth Southgate, lost finals to Italy and Spain at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 respectively.


While the senior England team haven't secured a trophy, both the Under-21s and Lionesses have.

Lee Carsley has guided the U-21s to back-to-back Euro titles, while Sarina Wiegman has done the same with the Lionesses during her stint in charge.

Sarina Wiegman England Spain Euro 2025

Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the likes of Sarina Wiegman (pictured) and Lee Carsley have won trophies with England

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GETTY

With England having to wait so long for something to celebrate, some fans believe the team is cursed.

But Tuchel strongly disagrees, with the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund boss optimistic ahead of Saturday's match with Andorra.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "No [I don't think other England teams winning has added pressure].

"If it is something then it is a good omen and I was so happy for Sarina [Wiegman] and Lee [Carsley] because they made it and they made an extraordinary effort and a huge success with back-to-back victories.

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"It is possible [to win a trophy with England], there is no curse on English teams and it is a good omen and we will do our very best to follow their example."

England fans would love to see their side win a country.

They went so close under Southgate, only to end up falling agonisingly short on both occasions.

Tuchel, when asked about his interactions with England fans, added: "I get a lot of tips but always in a friendly manner. Most of them just say 'bring it home Thomas' and that is basically the task."

Riben Loftus-CheekRuben Loftus-Cheek's last appearance for England came in a 3-0 victory over the United States in November 2018 | GETTY

Meanwhile, one surprise pick for the latest England squad is AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The former Chelsea star even admitted himself that he'd forgot all about playing for the national team, having last featured for his country in 2018.

Tuchel, explaining his decision, stated: "It was always a pleasure to work with him and I am very happy that I had the chance to call him up.

"He is a nice guy to be around, very friendly and very polite with a good sense of humour.

"He is full of qualities and sometimes I don't think he is aware how good he is and how good he can be but he fits in seamlessly because of his character and his quality and he competes for a place in central midfield and it is good to see that he is fit and not injured.

"If he stays healthy he is always in the frame to make an impression on the international level."

And Tuchel also leaked some team news, confirming Harry Kane would start the match up top.

"Yes. He [Harry Kane] starts. There is no balance, the competition is on and it is World Cup season," he said.

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Harry Kane England

Harry Kane will start for England against Andorra on Saturday night

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REUTERS

"We have a condensed camp and that means we will start with the team that we trust and the best team possible and we will manage the second game. We will not do it backwards.

"We will not get caught up in experiments and everything that counts is today and tomorrow and then we will do our assessment after the match to see who is available.

"The players will start to play two matches a week after the international camp and I do not see a problem why they can't start that one week earlier and play on a Saturday and a Tuesday."