News Focus
- Thomas Tuchel says tournament tension will push England to peak performance
- Three Lions face Croatia in Group L opener at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday
- Jude Bellingham expected to start ahead of Morgan Rogers as number ten
- Bukayo Saka faces late fitness test; Noni Madueke ready to step in
- Croatia rely on ageing stars Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic
Thomas Tuchel is confident that the big-match atmosphere will drive England to their best level when they meet Croatia this week.
The England manager accepts his team must raise their game. They drew with Uruguay and lost to both Japan and Senegal in recent matches against strong nations. However, Tuchel insists World Cup football creates a different mindset.
“This is not a friendly match,” the German coach explained. “We will not experiment. We will trust our own quality. The occasion and the tension will bring out the best in us.”
Tuchel wants his side to show the same energy they display in the Premier League. “We must play with courage,” he said. “We must use the strengths of our players. I can see they want this success. They win trophies at their clubs with this mentality.”
The team prepared for the heat by training in Florida for two weeks. Now they are based in Kansas City. Tuchel thinks Jude Bellingham will start instead of Morgan Rogers in the attacking midfield role.
The players understand what is at stake, according to the manager. “They know,” he stated. “We do not need extra motivation. We stay focused on what we can control. We take each day as it comes.”
England could dominate an older Croatian team. However, they must watch out for Luka Modric, who is 40, and Mateo Kovacic in the centre of the pitch. Ivan Perisic, now 37, also remains a danger. He scored against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
“It is a tough opening match,” Tuchel admitted. “They have experience. Their coach knows tournament football. They are a top nation. They now use a back three system. Modric and Kovacic still control their midfield. They play with two central players and fluid attackers.”
“Perisic is dangerous with his crossing,” Tuchel added. “He can use both feet. He does not need much space. They are also strong at set pieces.”
England worked on their own set pieces and beat Costa Rica heavily last week.
Tuchel has few selection problems. He must decide if Bukayo Saka is fit to play. The winger has an Achilles injury. Noni Madueke might start instead. In defence, Ezri Konsa and John Stones should play ahead of Marc Guehi.
The squad will play a private match on Thursday at their training base. They might face Sporting Kansas City. This keeps the players busy who do not feature against Croatia. England play Ghana next Tuesday at Boston Stadium.