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Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has expressed his firm belief that England can “100 per cent” win the upcoming World Cup, as he prepares to realise a lifelong dream.

Mainoo joined the England squad for their first pre-tournament training session in Florida on Tuesday, as manager Thomas Tuchel and his 26-man team intensified preparations for this summer’s competition.

The 21-year-old midfielder will be part of the England squad aiming to end a 60-year wait for World Cup glory in the expanded 48-team tournament taking place across North America.

Mainoo, who started in England’s Euro 2024 final defeat, said he has complete faith that his team can lift the trophy on July 19.

“One hundred per cent,” he said. “I feel like everyone in the squad, including the staff, truly believes we can win it. But that doesn’t come easy.”

He continued, “It’s incredibly special — something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember, and I’m sure every player here has had the same dream since childhood.”

“To be here now and say I’m playing in a World Cup is unbelievable. Representing England on this stage has been my lifelong ambition.”

“It’s the biggest tournament in football, completely different from the Euros, but we’ll approach it the same way: with the goal of winning.”

Mainoo is now set to feature in his first-ever World Cup campaign, marking another milestone in his rapidly developing career.

The young midfielder’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. He did not start a league match under former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim and appeared likely to leave Old Trafford. However, after Michael Carrick’s appointment, Mainoo became an integral figure as United finished third in the Premier League.

Reflecting on that period, Mainoo said, “There were definitely tough moments, but I just tried to focus on what was ahead, take each day as it came, and keep improving my game. I worked hard for the team and hoped everything else would follow — thankfully, it has.”