Thomas Tuchel has expressed his belief that the intensity and pressure of the World Cup will inspire England to perform at their best when they face Croatia in their opening match on Wednesday.
While England smoothly advanced through the qualification stages, their track record against formidable opponents has been inconsistent, with significant challenges ahead in Group L. Under Tuchel’s management, they have encountered top-20 teams three times, recording a draw against Uruguay and defeats to Japan and Senegal.
However, Tuchel is optimistic that England will approach this competitive match with a revitalized perspective. As he prepares for his inaugural World Cup, he feels confident that his squad will rise to the occasion at the Dallas Stadium.
“Because it’s not a friendly match, we will not try stuff,” England’s head coach commented. “We will rely on us and the occasion and the tension will bring out the best in us.”
“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 for two weeks before the tournament. They have intensified their practice sessions at their Kansas City base, and Tuchel expects Jude Bellingham to start over Morgan Rogers at the No. 10 position, believing his players already understand 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 stated. “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”
England has the potential to dominate an aging Croatian team, but they must remain cautious of the skills possessed by Mateo Kovacic and the 40-year-old Luka Modric in midfield. The 37-year-old Ivan Perisic also remains a threat, having scored in Croatia’s semi-final victory over England during 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 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.
“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.”
“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 showcased their capabilities with a convincing victory over Costa Rica last week.
Tuchel faces minimal selection dilemmas. He must decide whether to risk Bukayo Saka, who is dealing with an Achilles issue. Noni Madueke could replace his Arsenal teammate, while Ezri Konsa and John Stones are likely to be preferred over Marc Guéhi in central defense.
The full-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament due to a muscular injury sustained during training; Tuchel indicated that scans revealed Livramento would be sidelined for four to five weeks. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been summoned to replace him, allowing Jarell Quansah to provide full-back options on both flanks, alongside Djed Spence. Chalobah will also serve as a center-back option.
On Thursday, the squad is set to hold a behind-closed-doors match at their Kansas City base to keep players who may not see much action against Croatia engaged. The opposition might be the local MLS club, Sporting Kansas City. Following their friendly against Costa Rica, England had a similar training match against Miami United in Florida the next day. Their second group game in the World Cup is scheduled for Tuesday against Ghana 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.”
