Superstitious Thomas Tuchel reveals why he left his lucky trainers at home for England’s World Cup run

THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed he is still incredibly superstitious – but he has left his lucky trainers at home. The England boss wore the magic footwear when he led Chelsea to a Champions League final win over Manchester City in 2021 and the players drank champagne and beer out of them afterwards. A year earlier as PSG boss, Tuchel accidentally left the trainers at home for the final and his team lost to Bayern Munich. Asked if he has the sneakers in the United States, he said: “No. I know where they are, but it doesn’t fit the story. It would be a bit artificial. “I don’t see the connection between the shoes and here. If I was ever to bring the shoes, they can never come early, they can only come for when you arrive in a final.” But Tuchel admitted that he still has many other superstitions and rituals but is staying tight-lipped. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP He said: “I would never tell you. I brought stuff, of course. “My daughters give me stuff and everything, I have my routines and my things I cannot talk about. “I believe if I tell you, then it’s bad luck.” And asked if he will reveal everything if England wins the World Cup final, he said: “Maybe. There’s a long way to go.” Most read in Sport WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS The Three Lions next face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. However, head coach Tuchel has two big injury concerns. Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both unavailable, leaving England short of options on the right side of defence. CLICK ON PIC FOR STAR’S PROFILE World Cup 2026 - all the info IT'S A KNOCKOUT The knockout stages of the World Cup are here, with many big sides still in the hunt for global glory. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought for the nation. Powerhouse nations like France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina are all serious contenders for the biggest prize in sport. However, heavyweights Germany and Netherlands have both been knocked out on penalties in the last-32! Football icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are showing no signs of slowing down, on what looks to be the pair’s final World Cup. LATEST NEWS - Paraguay World Cup star in tears after huge Germany upset - Chelsea legend consoled by Ronaldo after sudden World Cup camp departure - Casemiro’s daughter in tears after Man Utd star scores header vs Japan - South Korea boss RESIGNS after group stage exit - Ronaldo DITCHES £242 limited edition boots after just 45 minutes KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.