Thomas Tuchel is optimistic about England’s prospects following their advancement as group leaders in Group L, asserting that his team is prepared to “These players are used to these moments – they play Champions League and Europa League to the end,” as they enter the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
Despite a goalless draw against Ghana and a challenging match against Panama, England managed to secure a 2-0 victory against Croatia, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. This win positions them to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a last-32 matchup in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Tuchel believes there is significant room for improvement, especially in light of the team’s performance against Ghana and Panama. He emphasized the necessity of fostering confidence within the squad.
“They know what it takes. We will step up. The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get. “There is no problem growing into a tournament like this. We have strong belief and trust in each other. It is important we keep believing in what we can influence and what we can improve. The most important thing is not to be afraid and be brave.” the head coach stated. “They know what it takes. We will step up. The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get.
“It was a classic ankle twist and he is in pain,”
Concerns arose for England when Jarell Quansah had to leave the field in the second half due to an ankle injury. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was substituting for the injured Reece James. Tuchel commented on the situation, saying, “He said he’s had it before and it was a matter of days. Now he hopes for the same. He has his leg up high and in ice.”
When questioned about the team’s dwindling options at full-back, Tuchel acknowledged the situation, remarking, “Naturally. Of course we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah but it is our job to find solutions and we will do that.”
Bellingham, who assisted Kane’s header, expressed optimism regarding the team’s potential for growth. “We came here to do it in sections and we got through the pre-games well and we achieved the first job: we got through the group and won it,” he conveyed to ITV. “We know what level we are at and what we want to achieve and we did in the second half. Every day we have to try to improve and it’s up to us to do that.”
Kane equaled Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals in the opening match against Croatia and surpassed it with his recent goal, despite a lackluster first half where England faced tough competition.
“Harry is in an amazing state of mind and he is hungry to go all the way in this World Cup,” Tuchel shared. “We are lucky to have him as captain.”
Kane, who has scored 70 goals for club and country this season, expressed his desire for more. “It’s another proud one to reach,” he stated. “Let’s hope it’s not the last instalment. It was a solid performance against a tricky side. We would have liked to see out the game a little bit easier but overall it was a good win.”
