Will England break the "championship curse"? This year might actually be their chance

Every World Cup, England is one of the most talked-about teams. This year, they have once again reached the quarter-finals, and this time, I believe they are closer to the championship than in any previous tournament.
In the past, people always said England had "the best squad on paper but always fell just short." But this World Cup, their biggest change is becoming more pragmatic. The team no longer blindly pursues flashy attacks; instead, they seek scoring opportunities while ensuring defensive stability.
This style of play may not be the prettiest, but it suits World Cup knockout matches perfectly. As the competition progresses, matches become more cautious, and a single set piece or a quick counterattack can decide the outcome. England has clearly become more mature in handling these details.
In the quarter-finals against Norway, they seem to have an advantage on paper, but they absolutely cannot underestimate their opponent. Norway has already proven they can beat strong teams, commanding respect in physical battles, counterattack efficiency, and overall execution.
If they advance smoothly, England will likely face an even greater challenge—whether it's France or Spain, both are world-class. Therefore, the real test for England will be whether they can maintain consistent performance when facing top-tier opponents consecutively.
Looking at the squad, England has sufficient rotation depth, excellent creativity in midfield and attack, and a defense that is more solid than before. If they can sustain their current rhythm, they have every opportunity to contend for the title.
Considering the current quarter-final landscape, I still think France has a slight edge, followed closely by Spain, with England and Argentina in the second tier. But the greatest charm of the World Cup is its unpredictability—a single match can change everything.
If England can overcome the mental hurdle and break the long-standing pressure of not winning a title, then 2026 could very well be the World Cup where they return to the top of the world.
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