England have reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years, but the men’s senior team has not won a World Cup since 1966. That long wait gives Hurst’s comments extra weight, even if a semi-final target remains an opinion rather than an official objective.
“I think anything less than that will be very bitterly disappointing,” Hurst added.
That standard reflects both England’s talent and the frustration surrounding repeated near-misses. The squad has often possessed elite attacking players, yet turning potential into a tournament-winning team has proved far more difficult.
Hurst’s argument is that Tuchel’s influence will matter more than the familiar debate around individual selections. The German coach’s work on the training ground, his tactical decisions and his reading of players’ personalities could define England’s campaign.
Nationality, Hurst suggested, will quickly become irrelevant if Tuchel delivers the prize England have chased for decades.
“If he wins a World Cup, he'll be the greatest German we've ever met,” Hurst said.
That is both a compliment and a warning. Tuchel arrives with a strong club reputation, but international football allows little time to correct mistakes.
England are due to open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia, a demanding first test for a team carrying significant expectations. The opening fixture will not determine whether Hurst’s semi-final prediction comes true, but it will offer an early glimpse of Tuchel’s identity.
The next storyline is whether England can turn a bold target into a credible tournament plan.