England defender Dan Burn has reaffirmed his nation’s ambition to end their long wait for a World Cup title as Thomas Tuchel’s side continue preparations for their Group L opener against Croatia on Wednesday.

England’s only World Cup triumph came on home soil in 1966, but Tuchel and his squad remain optimistic about their chances of ending the 60-year drought as they prepare to launch their campaign in North America.

Speaking about England’s aspirations, the 34-year-old Newcastle United defender said it would be pointless to take part without aiming for the ultimate prize.

“It’s pointless coming here and saying we don’t want to do that,” Burn said.

“The challenge is to put a second star on the shirt. That’s what we want to achieve.”

England kick off their campaign with a challenging opening fixture against Croatia, who famously eliminated Gareth Southgate’s side in the 2018 semi-finals, before facing Ghana and Panama in their remaining Group L matches.

The squad arrived in Kansas City on Saturday following a training camp in Florida, with Dan Burn suggesting the conditions there have helped the players adapt to the extreme heat they may encounter during the tournament.

“After the week we had in West Palm, I haven’t felt the heat as much,” he said. “Here it feels a bit drier and not as humid, so it’s slightly different.”

“But it’s the same for every team. It’s not something we’re overly concerned about at the moment.”

England’s opener against Croatia comes nearly a week after the tournament began and will be among the final matches of the first round of group fixtures, but Burn believes the extra waiting time will ultimately benefit the squad.

“Now that we’re here, I’m excited,” he said upon arrival in Kansas City. “I think once the tournament starts, that’s when it really kicks in.

“I don’t think it affects us negatively. It just gives us more time to study the opposition, get used to the rhythm of the games, and understand the pace before we play.”