Thomas Tuchel: ‘It’s the Moment to Find Ways to Win’ for England

Thomas Tuchel says England have reached “the moment to find ways to win” as they prepare for their World Cup knockout tie against DR Congo.

England go into their Round of 32 meeting with DR Congo as favourites, but recent upsets elsewhere in the tournament have served as a warning. Several big names have already stumbled at this stage, and Tuchel’s side know they cannot take anything for granted.

Germany and the Netherlands are already out, while Brazil only scraped through with a late winner against Japan. For Tuchel, these results have helped put England’s own challenge into perspective.

“What it shows to me is narrow margins,” Tuchel said.

“It’s just tight football matches. It helps us not to over-expect. It helps to put it into the right framework, what is happening in this World Cup and in world football.

“Teams are well drilled, teams defend at the highest level, teams are well prepared and it’s difficult for any team to break teams down, especially when you arrive as favourite.”

Tuchel expects DR Congo to be organised and physical, likely setting up in a disciplined 5-3-2 and looking to threaten England on the counter.

He knows England will need patience to break them down.

“We know where we are,” Tuchel said.

“We know that it’s now the moment to find ways to win. It’s the moment to dig in. It’s the moment to be patient and to do what we do on the highest level.

“They have the capacity to make life difficult for everyone. They did it to Portugal and Colombia. The mindset is clear and we’re ready.”

England carry the weight of expectation into this tie, and Tuchel is under no illusions about the pressure that comes with being favourites.

He admits it would be unrealistic to ignore the expectation, but insists England’s approach will not change.

“We accept it. We are the favourites,” he said.

“We play against our very own expectations. We expect from us to go further than the Round of 32. That’s just how it is.

“We prepared in the best way possible, in a completely normal way. We don’t need to do extra stuff. We just need to be the best version of ourselves.”

Jordan Pickford echoed the message, saying England are ready for the pressure of knockout football, whether that means extra time or penalties.

England have worked hard over the years to change their fortunes in shootouts, and Pickford says the squad have prepared for every possible scenario.

“We want to win in 90 minutes,” Pickford said.

“But if it takes 120, if it takes penalties, we’re prepared. We’ve done all the training and we’re ready for the game.”

As the stakes rise deeper into the tournament, Pickford believes England’s experience will help them handle the pressure.

“You’ve got to enjoy that pressure,” he said.

“Everyone’s different. People might get a bit nervous, but it brings out the best of us. For me, I feel like it’s always brought the best out of me in pressure situations, and people have got to step up.”

Tuchel also highlighted the need for England’s biggest names to step up when it matters most.

Asked whether England need other players to step up, Tuchel said: “It would be ideal, but honestly, I have no problem if the two continue.

“That’s what key players do and that’s what key players do in key moments.”

Tuchel added that England will still need contributions across the squad, with attacking options available from the start and from the bench.

“We have a lot of offensive players tomorrow who can take these opportunities,” he said.

“We have players to finish it off from the bench. We will need all of them.”

England are now at the stage where performance and control are important, but ultimately, only the result will keep them in the tournament.

Tuchel is well aware that DR Congo will look to make the contest physical and tense. England’s challenge is to keep their composure, embrace the pressure and find the moments that decide knockout football.