‘This is the way we move forward’ – Tuchel hails England response to World Cup heartbreak after thrashing Croatia
Thomas Tuchel says he is pleased with the way England are beginning to move on from their World Cup disappointment after an emphatic 7-0 win over Croatia.
The England boss believes his side are showing clear signs of progress following their semi-final exit at the World Cup against Argentina.
Doubles from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, plus goals from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers helped the Three Lions to a huge win in Rijeka.
“I think it’s the only way to move forward, even if you still feel pain, to play with the pain, and if you still feel disappointment, you have to play with it, that’s just the nature of sport,” Tuchel said after his side’s huge Nations League victory.
“It was not an easy camp at the beginning and after this long tournament for multiple reasons.
“We had an excellent performance against Spain without the result, the reaction to the result in Czechia and now the focus, the translation of the meetings onto the pitch, and to bring it in these circumstances in Croatia, to win against this team with a dominant performance, that’s the way we move on.”
Tuchel admitted the disappointment of the World Cup will not disappear, but says England are showing signs of growth.
“I said it many times, we will always have a scar, we will always feel pain, always feel disappointment, that’s just the way it is, but this is the way we move forward.
“We adjusted some things after the World Cup and in all three matches we’re getting better, the team buys into it, and that’s the most important thing. Full credit to the players.”
The England boss was also delighted with the level of performance in Croatia, praising his side for maintaining their intensity throughout the game.
“It was a fantastic victory, an outstanding result of course,” he said.
“The performance underlined this result. It was of the highest level from the first minute to the last minute.
“The speed, the technical quality, the hunger off the ball was on the very highest level and I’m very happy with the attitude.
“We were humble, never arrogant, how we approached this game, and made it a 90-minute complete performance, from start to finish.”
Tuchel also highlighted the chemistry in England’s attack after another impressive showing from his forward players.
“They are very, very good together at the moment,” he added.
“They enjoy playing together, the work rate is on a high level, and the counter-press is on a high level.
“It’s always a team effort but the front four look very, very dangerous at the moment.”
