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Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra has urged England supporters to stop chanting ‘It’s Coming Home’, claiming that the iconic song has turned into a ‘curse’. The Three Lions’ faithful have been hoping for that famous prediction to come true since 1996, but despite multiple close calls, the wait for a major international trophy has now stretched to 60 years.

Southgate came close – can Tuchel finish the job?

Thomas Tuchel has now taken on the challenge of ending six decades of heartbreak for England. The ex-Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich boss steps into a role that many believe carries enormous pressure, often described as a poisoned chalice.

England’s squad is loaded with talent capable of competing for the 2026 World Cup crown. However, this has been said many times before — even the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ featuring David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney could not convert their promise into silverware.

Gareth Southgate came agonisingly close to restoring England’s glory, nearly replicating the success of Sir Alf Ramsey. But heartbreak struck in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, followed by painful defeats in the European Championship finals of 2021 and 2024.

Now, Tuchel takes the baton with hopes of carrying England through North America to the final at MetLife Stadium, located just outside New York. The grand finale is scheduled for July 19, with football’s most prized trophy on the line.

Evra calls on England fans to avoid the ‘It’s Coming Home’ chant

England’s supporters will once again be out in full force during their World Cup campaign, but Evra believes it’s time for them to manage expectations — and their chants. Having experienced English football culture firsthand during his years at Old Trafford, the 81-cap French international shared his thoughts on England’s prospects with Stake while speaking to GOAL.

“England are always favourites, but it’s when they reach the semi-final or final that things fall apart. They’ve got a strong record and the right players,” Evra said. “Now, let’s see Thomas Tuchel. They’ll finally look like a real team. But I always tell English fans one thing — don’t sing ‘It’s Coming Home’. It’s a curse! Every time they sing it, I know they won’t win the trophy. If they skip it this time, I believe they can win the World Cup. It’s just like Arsenal’s curse that lasted 22 years.”

Key selection dilemmas for Tuchel’s World Cup squad

Arsenal have finally broken their own long-standing drought, clinching the Premier League title this season for the first time since the legendary ‘Invincibles’ campaign of 2003-04. Several Arsenal stars are expected to feature in Tuchel’s 26-man World Cup lineup, but the manager still faces a few tough calls.

One major decision involves two-time Premier League winner Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool academy product, now playing for Real Madrid, has struggled to secure a consistent place in the national team and faces stiff competition from Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence for the right-back spot.

With Ben White sidelined due to injury, Alexander-Arnold’s chances of inclusion have improved. Evra believes the dynamic 27-year-old, who embodies the qualities of a modern full-back, deserves a place on the plane to the United States.

“I love Trent,” Evra added. “He can also play in midfield. It wasn’t an easy season for him at Madrid, but he’s adjusting. He provides great service — those crosses, those long passes. Why not have him in the squad?”

England eyeing World Cup glory across the Atlantic

Tuchel is set to announce his World Cup squad shortly, with players already informed whether they’ve made the cut or missed out — leading to some difficult conversations. Regardless of who is selected, England will back themselves to make another deep run in the tournament and give their fans reason to dream once more. The question now is whether the supporters will follow Evra’s advice and retire their most famous chant — or tempt fate again.