Why the Premier League could harm England's chances at the World Cup

Martin Macdonald

• 12 Feb 2026 10:01 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Former England manager Fabio Capello believes the rigours of the Premier League could impact the Three Lions' chances at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The next edition of the World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico and England have been drawn in a group alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

They achieved a perfect record in qualification with eight wins from eight for a total of 24 points. They also scored 22 goals and, remarkably, didn't concede a single goal.

Gareth Southgate took England to the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and the quater-final in 2022 and the nation has been tipped as potential winners in North America due to the talent current boss Thomas Tuchel has at his disposal.

The German has just signed a new two-year contract extension that will take his tenure beyond this summer's tournament.

Even with their perfect qualifying record and with that aforementioned abundance of talent, Capello has warned that players based in the Premier League are often exhausted in summer tournaments due to the pace of the top-flight.

“Tuchel took the national team to the World Cup without the players being exhausted," the legendary Italian boss said, as quoted by The Mirror.

"I know for a fact that when I was England manager, in September, October, and November, we could play against the strongest teams in the world without any problem.

“But in March and April, the players start to show signs of fatigue, and by June they are always very tired because the English league is extremely physically demanding.

“The psychological pressure there isn't as great as in Spain or Italy from the press, but the fatigue in England is purely physical.”

Tuchel signs new England deal

It was announced on Thursday that Tuchel had signed a new England, with his previous contract set to expire after the World Cup.

The German's backroom staff - consisting of Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne - have also extended their contracts until after the 2028 European Championship, which will take place in England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

peaking after confirmation of his new contract, Tuchel told the official England website: “ I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup.

“It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.”

He continued: “I have had so much support from Mark [Bullingham], all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job.

“EURO 2028 will be a very special tournament and as a coach there is nothing more you want than to compete with the very best on the biggest possible stage.”

Bullingham, who is the CEO of the FA, added: “I am delighted Thomas has committed to stay with us through to the EUROs in 2028. He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers. We know the players are right behind him, and the togetherness within the group is there for all to see.

“There is simply no better candidate available in world football. With his big-game experience, knowledge and passion, he gives the squad the very best chance for success – this summer and with the once-in-a generation EURO being hosted on these shores in two years’ time.

“In Thomas, Anthony and the wider team, we have a perfect blend of English coaching and international expertise. Their full focus remains on doing as well as possible this summer, and by securing them early for 2028, we have taken away the potential distraction of contract renegotiations around the tournament.”

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