England becomes a "paper champion" again? Fans are already preparing for heartbreak in advance

Before every World Cup, England enters a strange state:
Media: "This is the strongest England ever!"
Fans: "Football is coming home!"
Result: "See you in the penalty shootout, ancestors."
But don’t laugh.
England in 2026 actually has something going for it.
Young squad, fast pace, high league intensity, especially in the front line, luxuriously stocked like a supermarket sale.
The problem is—
England always loses to itself.
This team has a fatal trait:
The more they are favored, the more nervous they get.
Premier League players usually look like war gods.
In the knockout stages of the World Cup, they suddenly seem like they’re taking a civil service exam.
The most classic example is penalties.
Others take penalties:
"I'll end the game."
England takes penalties:
"Is it live nationwide???"
Polymarket’s attitude toward England is actually quite subtle.
Odds aren’t low because they are indeed strong.
But the market is always hesitant to give too much trust.
The reason is simple:
Historical PTSD.
England has turned "high opening, low closing" into a brand.
But this time, there’s definitely some change.
Young players are becoming more international, and their mental toughness is much better than the older generation.
And the North American World Cup’s commercial atmosphere is strong, which actually suits England.
Because they’ve always lived in the spotlight.
To put it simply:
Others fear traffic.
England breathes through traffic.
If they can solve two problems:
1. Knockout stage conservatism
2. Penalty shootout phobia
Then they might really have a shot at the championship.
But the problem is—
The whole world knows England’s issues.
Only England itself acts like it’s the first time every time.
So many gamblers buying England are like buying MEME coins:
"I know the risk is huge... but what if?"#Polymarket每日热点