World Cup is coaching career pinnacle, says England's Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel views leading England into the World Cup as the highest point of his coaching career. The German manager, who has won numerous trophies including league titles in Germany and France and the Champions League with Chelsea, sees the global tournament as the ultimate stage.

“

It's up there. Definitely. Easy. It's the best stage, it's the biggest tournament in the world, the biggest competition, the biggest players playing in the same tournament. This is what it is.

"It's the best stage, it's the biggest tournament in the world, the biggest competition, the biggest players playing in the same tournament. This is what it is," Tuchel stated. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach England in a World Cup and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with it. He aims to prepare the team and support the players to perform at their best, emphasizing a balance between dreaming of victory and realistic effort.

“

I'm grateful to have the possibility to be the coach of England and to have the experience to coach in a World Cup.

England's World Cup campaign begins against Croatia. Tuchel acknowledged the strength and experience of the Croatian team, particularly their midfield core of Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric, and the threat posed by Ivan Perisic. He noted Croatia's flexibility in formations and their experienced coach, stating that England must adapt and deliver a complex performance to win.

“

We dream. We dream. We have the right to dream, but we don't want to be delusional. It comes with responsibility and with the effort. We want to put the effort in and deserve the outcome. We do that and it starts tomorrow.

Tuchel also confirmed a late change to the squad due to an injury to Tino Livramento. Newcastle United fullback has been replaced by Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah. Tuchel explained that Chalobah's inclusion as a center-back alternative provides full coverage across the back four, allowing other players to be utilized as fullbacks.

“

We called Trevoh Chalobah up because then we can free up Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence on both sides as full backs. Trevoh comes as a centre back alternative and gives us full coverage in the back four.