Tuchel Urges England Players to Raise Their Game in 2026 World Cup Knockout Stages

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has said with confidence that his squad will rise to the larger challenges as the team moves into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Having finished first in Group L, England is set to play the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Atlanta round of 32.

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In an interview with BBC Sports, Tuchel acknowledged that England’s group‑stage performances required hard work, especially in the dull 2‑0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium and the 0‑0 draw with Ghana.

Nevertheless, the German coach remains optimistic about the team’s progress.

“It was hard work,” Tuchel told BBC Sport. “We were ready for that. I said we so often get carried away with our expectations and what we demand of ourselves.”

“We demanded to win the group and this is the day we did this. I encouraged everyone to enjoy it and take it in.”

“We are at the World Cup. We won the group. I know our expectations. I know our dream. I know we can do better, but everyone who pushed and the players and staff deserves to go to the plane with a smile.”

“These players are used to big moments – they play in the Champions League and Europa League right up to the end. They know what it takes. We will step up. The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get.”

“There’s no problem with growing into a tournament like this. We have strong belief and trust in each other. It’s important we keep believing in what we can influence and what we can improve. The most important thing is not to be afraid and be brave.”

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“We know what we need to get better and we will get better. There’s no problem in putting the work in and growing into a tournament like this with difficult opponents to overcome. It is important now we keep believing, keep focusing on what we can influence.”

“Every game will be a different game. There are so many styles and cultures of football. The most important thing is to not be afraid, be brave, courageous and go step by step. and we are ready for that.”