Leonardo Bonucci reveals the one thing England must do to win World Cup 2026

Legendary Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci believes England have "a big chance" to win World Cup 2026 but must relax in the big moments if they are to end 60 years of hurt this summer.

The towering centre-back was a key figure in the Italy team that broke English hearts in the Euro 2020 final and, now a part of Gennaro Gattuso's Italy setup, could well come up against the Three Lions again this summer.

England head to North America as one of the favourites after falling just short of silverware during Gareth Southgate's eight-year tenure and qualifying with a perfect record under his successor Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel is the coach tasked with building on Southgate's legacy and ending the nation's long wait for success at a men's major tournament.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times ahead of his appearance at Soccer Aid 2026, Bonucci backed the German coach to get that job done.

"I spoke about him with Gigi Buffon, who was with him in Paris," he said. "He told me he is one of the best coaches that he had. I think England have a big chance to win the World Cup. They have a good coach and also a good team.

"They have everything to play very well in the World Cup and have a big chance to win it. They have good defenders, very strong midfielders, and also they have lots of forward talent."

Quizzed on how England can put recent disappointments behind them and finally get over the line, the former defender pointed to the one change they must make if they're to get their hands on the trophy.

He said: "They have a lot of pressure on their back. It's most important to be relaxed in this kind of game. It's not easy but it's something you have to do if you want to win.

"I know the final of the World Cup is the biggest game and for the biggest trophy in the world but you need to be relaxed. When I was a player, every big game – final or semi-final – I tried to be relaxed and focus on my work."

London is a special place for Bonucci, as the tattoo on his forearm proves, and the 38-year-old is set to return to Wembley in May as part of World XI at Soccer Aid 2026.

"London, for me, is right at the top, without doubt," he explained. "Because winning the Euro 2020 final was the best moment in my career."

He added: "I'm very excited after last year. I felt a very good sensation and a very good emotion. It was a great experience. I hope it will be the same this year but the most important thing is to help the children around the world.

"I went to Soccer Aid last year because I want to help the cause. I'm here again for that because we can do something for the children around the world. For me, it's an honour to be back here this year."

It may be a charity match, with a mix of former players and celebrities involved, but Bonucci is clear that once he crosses the white line, there is only one thing on his mind – a fact that England's Steph Haughton found out only too clearly last year when she was on the end of a crunching tackle from the Italian.

He said: "Of course, I'm here for the win. If a sliding tackle is needed, then I will do it. I said sorry to Steph but this is football.

"It's good to meet my rivals again from when I was a player but also to see some close friends. I'm good friends with Edwin but also with Big Zuu. I messaged him last week. It's a situation to meet and ex-footballers."

Before that, there is the matter of Tuesday's World Cup 2026 qualifying play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Bonucci is now serving his country as part of Gattuso's coaching team and desperate to ensure that Italy – the four-time winners of the tournament – don't miss out for a third time in a row.

He said: "It's a good job, an unbelievable experience. I'm very happy to be working with Gennaro Gattuso, the coach. We have a good team.

"It's difficult but we want to go to the World Cup. It's difficult because we are Italia and so after two World Cup misses, we need to get a ticket for this World Cup."

While the 38-year-old takes his role very seriously, he's not been tempted to lace up the boots again on the training pitch and get stuck in.

"No, no," he laughed. "There are different situations. You need to talk with the players in different situations, in different moments, because sometimes you need to be strong and sometimes you need to make them feel comfortable."

Should Italy qualify, the expectation among the Azzuri fanbase will naturally be high and, without wanting to look too far ahead, Bonucci believes the team could at least provide a few shocks.

"I hope, I hope."

Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31 May at the London Stadium. Adult tickets start from £20 and juniors from £10 at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.

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