England fans pessimistic about World Cup as over 80 per cent fear Three Lions will get knocked out

England fans are pessimistic about the World Cup, with over 80 per cent fearing the Three Lions will get knocked out.

Only 30 per cent think England will reach the quarter-finals, as there is a lack of hope among fans given the competition around them.

The findings, conducted by BOYLE Sports, found that a mere 16 per cent of those surveyed actually predict England will lift the trophy.

When asked about their primary worries heading into the tournament, 38 per cent of England fans cited the quality of opposing nations as their greatest concern, while 29 per cent pointed to doubts over player form.

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Supporters also indicated they believe England's best opportunities to secure a major trophy were the 2020 and 2024 European Championships.

Looking at potential winners, France emerged as the favourite among England fans at 16 per cent, with Spain attracting 13 per cent support and Brazil receiving backing from 10 per cent.

Interestingly, nearly one-in-ten Scottish supporters admitted they expect their rivals south of the border to claim the title.

The research, which surveyed 1,965 football fans across England, Scotland and Ireland, found that 36 per cent of England supporters would only consider the tournament a success if their team wins outright.

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However, five per cent would be satisfied simply seeing England advance beyond the group stage.

Meanwhile, 38 per cent acknowledge that fellow supporters harbour unrealistic expectations about the squad's prospects.

Should England exit the tournament, the largest proportion of fans – at 16 per cent – would transfer their allegiance to Scotland, with Brazil, France and Spain each attracting nine per cent support.

Conversely, 21 per cent of Scottish fans said they would back the Three Lions if their own side departed before England.

When selecting an alternative team, 26 per cent of England supporters would choose based on favourite players, while 21 per cent prefer backing an underdog with a compelling narrative.

Brian O'Keeffe, spokesman for BOYLE Sports, said: "For England fans, years of near misses seem to have created a more realistic mood this time around, with plenty questioning whether this squad has enough to go one step further."

Thomas Tuchel's side kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, before facing Ghana and Panama.

The Three Lions started their preparations with a friendly win against New Zealand 1-0, thanks to a first-half goal from Harry Kane.

England will face Costa Rica on Wednesday in Orlando in their final friendly before their tournament starts.

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