Patrice Evra has issued a bold prediction about England's prospects at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming that if the Three Lions supporters silence their iconic anthem, the team will finally end their 60-year wait for a major global trophy. The former Manchester United and France defender believes the famous chant has become a psychological barrier rather than a rallying cry.
The 'Curse' of Coming Home
Speaking with authority earned from his time in English football, Evra drew a parallel between England's World Cup struggles and Arsenal's 22-year drought without a Premier League title. "Don't sing 'It's Coming Home'. It's a curse when they start singing it! That's when I know England will not win the trophy," the 81-cap former international told GOAL. Since 1996, when the Britpop anthem first captured the nation's imagination, England fans have endured agonising near-misses including World Cup semi-final defeats and consecutive European Championship final losses under Gareth Southgate in 2021 and 2024.
Evra's theory mirrors a psychological phenomenon where excessive confidence precedes collapse. England's "Golden Generation"—featuring David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney—possessed undeniable talent yet failed to convert potential into silverware. Now, with Thomas Tuchel tasked with breaking the cycle as England's new manager, the pressure remains immense as the tournament approaches its final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York.
Squad Selection and Tuchel's Decisions
The incoming manager faces crucial squad decisions ahead of naming his 26-man roster for North America. One pivotal choice concerns Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool academy product now at Real Madrid. Despite a difficult campaign at the Spanish giants, Evra advocates for the 27-year-old's inclusion, praising his ability to deliver crosses and long diagonals from full-back. "He's a player who can give service," Evra explained, suggesting Alexander-Arnold deserves selection alongside competitors including Reece James, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence in the right-back department.
England possess genuine quality throughout their squad, with several Premier League stars expected to feature in Tuchel's plans. Yet talent alone has never guaranteed success on the international stage. Whether the new manager can finally deliver a World Cup triumph—and whether England supporters can resist singing their famous refrain—will determine whether Evra's curse theory holds true in 2026.
