England Finding Rhythm Ahead of World Cup 2026, Coach Tuchel Says

England's national football team is steadily finding its stride and developing the desired rhythm ahead of the 2026 World Cup, head coach Thomas Tuchel believes. This confidence stems from a commanding 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in a friendly match played in Orlando, Florida.

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We said before the match that we wanted to step up to the next level in terms of intensity, commitment, and cohesion. And we managed it.

The match saw goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon, and Ollie Watkins, with England displaying significant dominance. They controlled 80% of the possession and launched 28 shots on goal, a performance Tuchel deemed far more convincing than their previous narrow 1-0 win against New Zealand. Jude Bellingham was particularly influential in an attacking midfield role, supported by Rice, Gordon, and Elliot Anderson in controlling the game.

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We are seeing the process of adaptation to the heat and climate going well. We are also starting to see everything connect. Today we asked the players to step up to the next level and they managed it.

Tuchel highlighted the team's success in elevating their intensity, commitment, and cohesion. He also noted the players' successful adaptation to the hot climate in the United States and an improved understanding among teammates on the pitch. "We are seeing the process of adaptation to the heat and climate going well. We are also starting to see everything connect. Today we asked the players to step up to the next level and they managed it," Tuchel stated, emphasizing that the manner of play was more important than the scoreline.

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The most important thing is how we play. If it goes well, the results will come by themselves. Today we did it at a very high level.

The England squad will play one more closed-door friendly before a day off, after which they will travel to Kansas City for their World Cup preparations. Their opening Group L match is scheduled against Croatia in Dallas. Tuchel sees the win against Costa Rica as a positive signal, noting the "incredible energy" from the fans and expressing optimism about the team's potential if they continue to develop throughout the tournament. This will be Tuchel's first World Cup as a head coach, and he admits to feeling the growing atmosphere of the competition.

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I feel incredible energy in the stadium today. If we can continue to play like this and develop throughout the tournament, we will have a very good relationship with the supporters.