Thomas Tuchel expressed optimism that the pressure and significance of the upcoming match will elevate England’s performance as they commence their World Cup journey against Croatia on Wednesday.
While England navigated through the qualifiers with ease, their inconsistent record against elite teams raises questions ahead of their Group L opener. Under Tuchel’s leadership, the team has faced top-20 opponents thrice, resulting in a draw with Uruguay and defeats to Japan and Senegal.
However, Tuchel believes that the competitive nature of the match will foster a new mindset within the squad. Eager for his inaugural World Cup experience, he is confident his players will rise to the challenge 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 embody the competitive spirit characteristic of Premier League teams. “We should play brave and play to the strengths of the players,” he noted. “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.”
In preparation for the tournament, England’s meticulous strategy included acclimatizing to the heat during a pre-tournament training camp in Florida two weeks prior. With their preparations intensifying in Kansas City, Tuchel anticipates that his squad understands the gravity of the World Cup and is ready for the challenge.
“It is a very difficult start,” he remarked. “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 the team’s focus on controllable elements as beneficial. “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],” he explained.
While England has the potential to dominate a waning Croatian side, they must remain vigilant against the skills of Mateo Kovacic and the experienced Luka Modric, who is now 40, in midfield. Additionally, 37-year-old Ivan Perisic poses a significant threat, having scored in 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 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.”
Tuchel noted that from the once-dominant midfield trio, only Kovacic and Modric remain, now functioning in a two-man midfield setup alongside fluid No 10s and wing-backs. He emphasized the persistent threat Perisic poses, calling him “one of the most dangerous crossers in world football,” capable of delivering accurate crosses with either foot regardless of the situation.
England has been honing their own set-pieces and demonstrated their capabilities with a decisive victory over Costa Rica last week.
Tuchel faces some selection dilemmas, particularly regarding Bukayo Saka, who is dealing with an achilles issue. Noni Madueke could be a viable option to replace his Arsenal teammate, while Ezri Konsa and John Stones are likely to be preferred over Marc Guéhi in central defense.
Unfortunately, Tino Livramento will miss the tournament due to a muscular injury sustained during training, with Tuchel indicating that scans revealed a four-to-five-week recovery period. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah has been called to replace him, allowing Jarell Quansah to serve as a full-back option on both flanks, alongside Djed Spence. Chalobah will also provide depth as a center-back option.
On Thursday, England is set to engage in a closed-door match at their Kansas City training base, intended to keep players who may not feature against Croatia actively involved. This match may be against the local MLS team, Sporting Kansas City. Following their friendly against Costa Rica last Wednesday, England also arranged a training match against Miami United the next day. Their second World Cup group match 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 mentioned. “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.”
