The $30 million gamble on a unique tournament

The 2026 World Cup is the largest the tournament has ever seen, with 16 more nations competing than at Qatar 2022. The competition is being hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, for the first time in the tournament's near-century-long history.

This summer's World Cup begins on Thursday when Mexico kick off against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, with matches then split across the three host nations.

The World Cup's unique conditions, including the brutal heat and intense travel, are expected to pose a significant challenge to England's squad,with some predicting that they will bow out in the round of 16.

England's World Cup woes: a slow pace of play and high expectations

Former referee turned pundit Mark Clattenburg believes that England's squad will struggle to cope with the conditions of the tournament, saying that the slow pace of play will give them less time on the ball.

Clattenburg was the only one of the three hosts not to rule out England reaching a semi-final, but even he expressed doubts about their chances, saying that they will have to work hard to overcome the challenges of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Gordon Smart, a Scottish broadcaster, tipped both Switzerland and Ghana to have good tournaments, but was less optimistic about England's chances, saying that he didn't see them making it to the semis.

The players to watch: Florian Wirtz and Arda Guler

Despite a difficult debut season at Liverpool, Ladyman tipped German playmaker Florian Wirtz as a player to watch, saying that he will have more time on the ball due to the slower pace of play.

Mark Clattenburg also picked out 21-year-old attacking midfielder Arda Guler as a player to watch , saying that he has conducted himself remarkably well this season and could have a big tournament .

Who will be the dark horses of the tournament?

Mark Clattenburg named Turkey as his 'dark horses' of the tournament, saying that they will do well but won't win it.

He also picked out Elliot Anderson as a player to watch, saying that he has conducetd himself remarkably well this season and could have a big tournament.

The verdict: will England's World Cup hopes be dashed?

The verdict on England's World Cup hopes is far from certain, with some predicting that they will bow out in the round of 16 and others believing that they could make it to the semis.

Only time will tell if England's squad will be able to overcome the challenges of the tournament and make it to the final.