Burnham added: “Há um jogo muito grande no domingo. Temos que viver de esperança. Acho que pode ser um pouco prematuro especular.”
The message is familiar to anyone who has watched England navigate major tournaments: progress can be real without being complete. Knockout football punishes lapses, and Mexico will offer a far more demanding test of England’s composure, attacking quality and ability to handle pressure.
The report says Burnham believes the team still has “um pouco de melhora a fazer” before supporters can genuinely dream of the trophy. That is not a rejection of optimism. It is a reminder that one victory, however valuable, does not erase the questions raised by an unconvincing display.
The football has already spilled into public life. The government has reportedly allowed pubs in England and Wales to remain open until 5am for the Mexico match, scheduled for 1am on Monday, extending the hours granted for earlier England fixtures.
That decision reflects the scale of anticipation around the team. It also raises the stakes: a win could produce a nationwide celebration, while defeat would leave a long night for supporters and plenty of scrutiny for the players.
The political subplot is unusually close to the final whistle. The report says Burnham could become Labour leader on 17 July and prime minister on 20 July, while the World Cup final is scheduled for 19 July.
That timing could place any England triumph in the middle of a leadership transition. Burnham, however, has avoided promising a public holiday, preferring to wait for events on the pitch.
The Mexico match will decide whether his caution looks sensible - or whether England gives the country permission to dream much bigger.