Thomas Tuchel believes that the pressure and significance of the occasion will elevate England’s performance when they kick off their World Cup journey against Croatia on Wednesday.
While England navigated their qualifying rounds smoothly, their record against formidable opponents remains inconsistent, leaving much to prove ahead of their Group L opener. Under Tuchel’s leadership, the team has faced top-20 nations thrice, managing a draw against Uruguay but suffering defeats to Japan and Senegal.
Tuchel is optimistic that this time will be different, as he anticipates a competitive mindset from his players. He eagerly awaits his inaugural World Cup match and is convinced that his team will rise to the challenge presented by Croatia in 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.”
He aims for England to play with the same intensity characteristic of Premier League matches. “We should play brave and play to the strengths of the players,” Tuchel remarked. “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.”
“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.”
To prepare for the tournament, England’s strategic buildup included a training camp in Florida to acclimate to the heat two weeks ago. They have intensified their preparations in Kansas City, and Tuchel, who plans to start Jude Bellingham over Morgan Rogers at No. 10, believes his players require no additional motivation for their World Cup debut.
“It is a very difficult start,” he said. “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”
Tuchel views their focus on what they can control as advantageous. “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],”
England could potentially dominate a Croatia team that is showing signs of age; however, 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 poses a threat, having scored during Croatia’s semi-final victory over England in the 2018 World Cup.
“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.” Tuchel noted. “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 been honing their own set-pieces and appeared in good form when they decisively defeated Costa Rica last week.
Tuchel faces few selection dilemmas, though he must determine whether to risk Bukayo Saka, who is dealing with an achilles issue. Noni Madueke is a viable alternative to start in place of his Arsenal teammate, while Ezri Konsa and John Stones are likely to be chosen over Marc Guéhi in central defense.
Full-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament due to a muscular injury sustained in training; Tuchel reported that scans showed the Newcastle player would be sidelined for four to five weeks. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement, allowing Jarell Quansah the flexibility to serve as a full-back option on both flanks, alongside Djed Spence. Chalobah will also provide depth as a centre-half option.
On Thursday, the squad will engage in a closed-door match at their Kansas City training facility, according to Tuchel, to ensure that those players who may not see much action against Croatia can maintain their rhythm. The likely opponent is the local MLS team, Sporting Kansas City. This approach mirrors their strategy after the friendly against Costa Rica last Wednesday, where they played against Miami United the following day. England’s 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.”
