Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence that the intensity of the World Cup atmosphere will elevate England’s performance as they prepare to face Croatia in their opening match on Wednesday.
Although England navigated the qualifying rounds with ease, their history against elite teams has been inconsistent, creating pressure ahead of their first Group L match. Under Tuchel’s leadership, England has faced top-20 teams three times, resulting in a draw against Uruguay and defeats to Japan and Senegal.
However, Tuchel anticipates a different mentality from his players during competitive matches. Eager for his inaugural World Cup experience, he believes the squad will rise to the occasion presented by Croatia at the Dallas Stadium.
“Because it’s not a friendly match, we will not try stuff,” England’s head coach stated. “We will rely on us and the occasion and the tension will bring out the best in us.”
Tuchel aims for England to exhibit the same intensity seen in Premier League matches. He remarked, “We should play brave and play to the strengths of the players,”
“I feel clearly that the players want it and that they are successful in club football like this. “They compete in the strongest league, most of them. The others who are not in the league compete in the highest level in Europe and Champions League and they play in brave and active teams. It makes things excited and creates a certain energy and we need a connection with our fans who are here, with the fans at home, to create something special.”
In preparation, England has strategically acclimatized to the heat by training in Florida two weeks prior to the tournament. Their current preparations in Kansas City are ramping up, and Tuchel believes his players are already aware of the significance of the World Cup.
“I don’t feel any emotional fuel is needed to make everyone clear what is happening. We know. “I see it even as an advantage that we’re very focused on what we can influence. We don’t put it in the bigger picture – just put it where it is. Go day by day, influence what you can influence. If we can stay there, I think we have an even better chance to compete and perform on our highest level.” he affirmed. “It is a very difficult start,”
“It is an experienced team, an experienced coach, in tournament knockout football. It’s a top football nation and a very strong opponent. The centre of gravity in their game has dropped a bit, into a back three, we expect. “From a midfield three, which was the core of Croatia, it has only Kovacic and Modric still there. They’re playing in a midfield two now. They play with fluid No 10s and wing-backs. But the core is still Modric and Kovacic. “Then they have Perisic, who is always a threat with the crosses. That is one of the most dangerous crossers in world football, maybe – left foot, right foot, he does not even need space to put a cross in. It is remarkable. And they are strong in set pieces”
While England may have the upper hand against a veteran Croatia team, they must remain cautious of midfield talents like Mateo Kovacic and the 40-year-old Luka Modric. Ivan Perisic, 37, also poses a significant threat, having scored in Croatia’s semi-final victory over England in the 2018 World Cup.
“It is true that we try to play an in-house match after Croatia to use the time [well], we have many days [before the Ghana game],” Tuchel acknowledged. “It can give the players who don’t play minutes an extra match load. We did it after the Costa Rica game and we do it one last time on the day after Croatia.”
“From a midfield three, which was the core of Croatia, it has only Kovacic and Modric still there. They’re playing in a midfield two now. They play with fluid No 10s and wing-backs. But the core is still Modric and Kovacic.”
“Then they have Perisic, who is always a threat with the crosses. That is one of the most dangerous crossers in world football, maybe – left foot, right foot, he does not even need space to put a cross in. It is remarkable. And they are strong in set pieces,”
England has been focusing on their own set-pieces and looked sharp during their recent thrashing of Costa Rica. Tuchel faces few selection dilemmas ahead of the match, needing to decide whether to risk Bukayo Saka, who has been dealing with an Achilles issue. Noni Madueke could take his place, while Ezri Konsa and John Stones are likely to be preferred over Marc Guéhi in central defense.
Unfortunately, full-back Tino Livramento will miss the tournament due to a muscular injury sustained in training; Tuchel confirmed that scans showed the Newcastle defender would be sidelined for four to five weeks. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement, allowing Jarell Quansah to serve as a full-back option on both sides, alongside Djed Spence. Chalobah will also provide depth in the center of defense.
Tuchel mentioned that the squad will hold a closed-door match at their Kansas City base on Thursday, likely against the local MLS team, Sporting Kansas City. This match aims to keep players who may not see much action against Croatia engaged. England employed a similar strategy following their friendly with Costa Rica last week, where they played a training match against Miami United the subsequent day. Their second World Cup group game against Ghana is scheduled for Tuesday at Boston Stadium.
“It is true that we try to play an in-house match after Croatia to use the time [well], we have many days [before the Ghana game],” Tuchel explained. “It can give the players who don’t play minutes an extra match load. We did it after the Costa Rica game and we do it one last time on the day after Croatia.”
