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England manager Thomas Tuchel said he hoped his players would one day look back on finishing third at the World Cup with some pride, despite falling short of their goal of winning the tournament.A 6-4 win over France in a frenetic third-place playoff at Miami Stadium on Saturday gave England their best finish at a World Cup since their only triumph when they hosted the tournament in 1966."It's the first medal for 60 years, the best World Cup on foreign soil. So I hope that the players can be proud of that in some time," he told reporters."We are fiercely competitive, so like we almost don't allow ourselves to be proud of the third place because 18 months ago we set ourselves the highest goal ... to make it to the final and win the World Cup."So it's very, very painful if you miss out. The pain will stay for a while."Tuchel came in for heavy flak after England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, particularly because of what were viewed as his defensive tactics after his side took the lead early in the second half."The press conference yesterday felt as if we went out in the group stage without a win, to be very honest," the German said."The best thing you can do is react on the pitch and get the next win. Everything else is just talking, and talking doesn't get you points, and talking doesn't get you a win."I'm glad that we showed a reaction. We wanted that reaction, and it's very impressive."Bukayo Saka's hat-trick for England on Saturday inevitably raised a question about why the right winger was not played in the semi-final."It was a tough decision for me to leave him out of the semi-final," said Tuchel, who admitted he had been cautious with Saka because of the Achilles injury he had been managing for the last few months."I had the feeling that Morgan Rogers had something special to give to us with his physicality and his body in the match against Argentina."We had (Saka) warm up several times against Argentina. We were ready to change, but the game became so crazy that we in the end opted for a different option."But nothing has changed during the World Cup for me. Bukayo is a fantastic teammate, fantastic football player, key player for us, and that will not change. He showed it again today and I'm happy for him." 

Thomas Tuchel may have criticised his England stars for being too "passive" in their World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina, but it is the beleaguered German who has come under fire from the British media for his defensive tactics.Hampered by Tuchel's cautious substitutions, England squandered a golden opportunity to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, blowing the lead as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to snatch a 2-1 win on Wednesday.British tabloid The Sun encapsulated the mood of recrimination among frustrated England fans as their headlines blared: 'Lost his Tuch?' and 'Thomas tanked it'.Tuchel was lambasted for sending on Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa to make a five-man defence, in a failed bid to hold on after England went 1-0 up through Anthony Gordon's goal early in the second half in Atlanta.There was a feeling of deja vu for England supporters, who had watched their team let one-goal leads slip away against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and Italy in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final.The Daily Mail slammed Tuchel, saying despite being brought in to solve the tactical issues caused by predecessor Gareth Southgate, the German had also been too negative when the stakes were highest."Thomas Tuchel's changes cost England against Argentina - they were out of ideas and doomed to lose from that moment. It was a return to the bad habits Gareth Southgate was criticised for", said the Mail.The Times' columnist Martin Samuel said Tuchel had been just as conservative as many other failed former England managers."The England head coach was supposed to cure the team's fear but managers are pragmatists," he wrote."Anyone who doesn't jump is an Englishman, the Argentinians sing. And anyone who knows how to hold a lead in a World Cup semi-final is definitely not."The disease remains and is as contagious as ever. Different group, fancy new boss, same dispiriting outcome."Tuchel's own words were turned against him, after he claimed that England had been scared to express themselves during the Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain in Southgate's last match in charge."They were afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win it," he (Tuchel) said (in March) - Not as easy as it looks, this international management lark," Samuel wrote.However, with the 52-year-old former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach under contract until Euro 2028, the British media said Tuchel is likely to avoid the sack.'Thomas Tuchel to STAY as England boss despite 'cowardly' defeat read the headline in another tabloid The Mirror, citing the word used by Spain's 2010 World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas to describe the strategy deployed by the coach."They (England) score the goal and drop back. A cowardly approach," Casillas posted on X. 

Thomas Tuchel was hired by England as head coach with a simple brief: win the 2026 World Cup. So far, so good as they prepare to take on Lionel Messi's Argentina in the semi-finals.The German has overseen a largely happy camp, dancing with his players in the dressing room in Mexico City after their battling win against the co-hosts.But his tone changed following Saturday's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway, when he described his team as "lucky"."The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but I'm not happy with the performance," he said.That downbeat assessment drew a stinging retort from midfielder Jude Bellingham, who scored twice as England came from behind."Whatever, whatever," said the Real Madrid midfielder after a gruelling 120 minutes in the searing Miami heat.The pair have a complicated history, but the exchange was a stark reminder that Tuchel will not shy away from speaking his mind.The 52-year-old will not care that he has riled Bellingham, who has scored six goals and once again proved himself to be England's man for the big moment.The Football Association knew who it was getting when it hired the former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss to replace Gareth Southgate in 2024.Southgate had reshaped the team during his largely successful tenure, breaking down barriers between players from rival clubs and forging a cohesive unit.But his team never got over the line - defeated in the semi-finals and quarter-finals at the World Cup and twice losing in the final of the Euros.WinnerThe blunt and charismatic Tuchel arrived as one of the big beasts of world football, with league titles at PSG and Bayern Munich under his belt.His crowning glory was Chelsea's 2021 Champions League win in Porto, where he outsmarted then Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.Tuchel picked a team of "specialists" for the 2026 World Cup, raising eyebrows by leaving out a number of high-profile players including Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.He admitted he relished the pressure of making big decisions as was grilled on his choices.The Three Lions arrived at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States as one of the favourites and so far the England boss has got his big calls right.Substitute Anthony Gordon set up both goals for Harry Kane as England came from behind to avoid an embarrassing defeat against DR Congo in the last 32.In the following round he threw on a clutch of defenders as his 10 men held out for a 3-2 win at the Estadio Azteca.One of the enduring images from the game in Mexico was of giant defender Dan Burn clearing the ball again and again as Tuchel's team held firm, perfectly illustrating his ideal of a "brotherhood".Tuchel started his first international coaching job in January 2025 after signing an 18-month contract.The German said at the start of his reign that his aim was to add a "second star" to go with the one that represents England's sole World Cup success, in 1966.He convinced his bosses that he was the man for the job and penned a new deal to lead the team to the Euro 2028 tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland.England have rarely hit the heights during the current tournament but have found a way each time and have made no secret of the fact they are here to win.The next step is a tough test against a battle-hardened Argentina on Wednesday, before a potential final against France or Spain.Tuchel is two games away from glory and ultimate vindication. 

England manager Thomas Tuchel said his team were "lucky" to squeeze past Norway 2-1 after extra-time to reach the World Cup semi-finals, but praised "world-class" Jude Bellingham after his two goals dragged the Three Lions to victory.A furious Tuchel was in little mood to celebrate despite England reaching the last four for just the fourth time in history after Bellingham's double overturned Andreas Schjelderup's opener."We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today," Tuchel said in an animated on-field interview moments after his team's win."The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but I'm not happy with the performance."The commitment is there, but it made life very, very difficult for us in the way we played, how we played, sloppy, lots of safety, not fast enough, not enough. We were lucky today."Bellingham was less than impressed with his manager's reaction."Whatever. Whatever," said the Real Madrid midfielder after a gruelling 120 minutes in the searing Miami heat. 'IT'S DIFFICULT OUT THERE'"It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift. All the players are putting in a tough shift. So my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who put in a good shift out there."England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday as they attempt to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years.Tuchel said later he had no doubt over his players' effort but was adamant that his team would need to improve to progress further in the competition."I'm impressed with the shift that they put in, the effort, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level," the German coach said at the post-match press conference."Full credit to the team, we found a way in the last four. This is of course the most important but the analysing head of me and the football coach still thinks that we can and have played better football."England were fortunate in two major refereeing decisions. GOAL ALLOWED TO STANDBellingham's first goal was allowed to stand despite Norwegian protests that the ball had struck the TV camera suspended above the pitch in the build-up.Norway also had a second goal disallowed in the second half after a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland before a corner had been taken."We were lucky. I stand with that," added Tuchel."No one ever denies that you need luck to go far in tournament football. You need moments where you're lucky, otherwise it's just not possible"I see no harm in admitting it. It's just the way I felt."Tuchel was more fulsome in his praise for Bellingham, who again rose to the ocassion to be a national hero.After scoring twice in England's memorable 3-2 win over Mexico in the Estadio Azteca in the last 16, Bellingham moved alongside Harry Kane on six goals in six games at this World Cup with his two goals in Miami."World-class performance from a world-class player," said Tuchel. "In big, big moments, crucial moments, he was absolutely top class." 

England boss Thomas Tuchel said a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca felt like winning a final as they overcame huge adversity to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Led by a double from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane's penalty, the Three Lions shrugged off the effects of playing at high altitude, a frenzied home support for the co-hosts and playing for over 45 minutes with 10 men. "I felt in the build up it never felt like round a 16 match. It feels almost like we won a final this last moment the referee takes the whistle to his mouth," said Tuchel. "Forty or 50 minutes in altitude against a home country, this is a moment of joy. A heroic performance and a heroic result in the end. "So happy for the players, but also for me, to be part of this and live this experience. Such a special moment and to overcome it against all adversity is very special." However, a historic night ended was soured for Tuchel by an injury suffered by Jordan Henderson from falling over an advertising board in the post-match celebrations. The former Liverpool captain, who was an unused substitute, has been taken to hospital with a wrist injury that puts his participation in the rest of the tournament at risk. "I'm exhausted and emotional", added Tuchel. "Jordan injured his wrist, it just doesn't fit to the evening that Jordan is not with us. "I don't know the procedure, the doctor told me he is in the hospital." Victory also laid to rest some of England's demons from defeat to Argentina at the Azteca in the World Cup quarter-final 40 years ago. Diego Maradona famously punched the ball into the net before going on to score an incredible solo goal in a 2-1 win. Defending champions Argentina and England could be on a collision course in the semi-finals, but for now Tuchel is refusing to look beyond Norway, who stunned Brazil earlier on Sunday thanks to Erling Haaland's double. "I will not talk about the semi-final when I am just into the quarter-final. Now we have the chance for some days off," he added. I will go one full day without football and then we will look at Norway. "We had a very sad story with this stadium, we make peace with it today." After Bellingham's first half brace, scored 95 seconds apart, Julian Quinones rifled Mexico back into the contest. A red card for Jarell Quansah after a VAR review looked to have swung momentum Mexico's way. But Kane quickly restored England's two-goal lead from the spot before he was then punished for a Mexico penalty, converted by Raul Jimenez. "Referees are just not good enough. The fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line," raged Tuchel. "VAR overturns a clear and obvious error for the (Mexico) penalty. Was it a clear and obvious error? I think not." 

England coach Thomas Tuchel admitted his team had lacked a cutting edge in a frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana but insisted there were plenty of positive signs going forward in their quest to win the World Cup."It's a long tournament and I think the boys tried everything. They played with the right energy," said Tuchel after the stalemate at the Gillette Stadium near Boston."We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today but I hope the fans don't lose belief. There is a long way to go. I just feel I was right that we were in a very difficiult group."England had 79 percent of the possession but could not break down a determined Ghanaian defence in the Group L contest.They also lacked the cutting edge which made the difference in their opening 4-2 win against Croatia in Dallas, having 19 attempts on goal but managing only three on target.Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly hit the bar late on after coming off the bench, and Harry Kane blazed the rebound over to sum up a frustrating day for England."It fell to him and 99 times out of 100 he takes that chance. If he converts his chance maybe we are talking now about the patience and discipline and performance," added Tuchel."But now it is 0-0 and maybe the headlines are a little different. We had enough set-pieces to decide the match but we were not clinical enough."The German said that it was "just natural" to rely on Kane, who was unable to add to his two goals against Croatia and move ahead of Gary Lineker as his country's all-time top scorer at World Cups.Tuchel also admitted that the match could serve as a "reality check", even if the outcome is hardly too problematic for England - they have four points from two games and a win against Panama at the MetLifeStadium on Saturday will clinch progress to the last 32 as group winners. 'VAR went for a coffee'"This is a difficult, difficult team to play against. None of us thought there was an easy match ahead of us, but there were a lot of things that were much better than against Croatia."It is just not the same result or excitement but it takes two to tango," he added in a nod to Ghana's defensive approach.England remain unbeaten against African opponents at World Cups but the Black Stars were clearly delighted with the point which keeps them on course to make the knockout phase for the first time since they got to the quarter-finals in 2010."Football is not only about possession. It is also about having the right attitude," Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said as his team built on their opening 1-0 victory against Panama."We celebrated because we got a draw against a team who are one of the favourites to win the World Cup."His team also have four points before heading to Philadelphia next to take on Croatia."You have to pay a high price to get points. Probably because we are in the United States where everything is expensive," he joked.However, the former Real Madrid and Portugal boss also felt his team should have had a penalty for a late challenge on Prince Adu by Ezri Konsa.Nothing was given by the Honduran referee and he was not summoned to check the VAR monitor."The VAR went for a coffee which is natural but it is a clear penalty and a red card," insisted Queiroz.  

Thomas Tuchel said on Friday he has no fears after leaving "extraordinary talents" out of England's World Cup squad, boldly stating his aim is to win the tournament.The German coach omitted a clutch of big names for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Harry Maguire, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White and Luke Shaw are others overlooked as Gareth Southgate's successor made an eye-catching selection.Saudi-based Ivan Toney was the most surprising pick, having played just a handful of minutes as a substitute since Euro 2024. England are among the favourites at the World Cup, 60 years after they won their only major international trophy.Tuchel told a press conference at Wembley that the balance of his squad was more important than picking star names. "From day one we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select the best 26 most-talented players," he said. "Teams win championships, it's as simple as that."The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss admitted he had had to make painful decisions but said he had "no fear" over his choices. "It was a given that from these 55 players (in the provisional squad), we have to leave some extraordinary talents and extraordinary personalities at home," he said.The 52-year-old added: "I like these kind of decisions, even if it took us weeks and sometimes months to verify the decisions. I think they bring clarity, I think they bring a certain edge in the end that is necessary."Tuchel, appointed with a brief to win the World Cup, said he wanted to create a "brotherhood" and believes England have the world-class players to make a difference."The goal is to try to win it and not be shy about it, and then just to respect the game and the opponents and the amount and the obstacles that come with the tournament itself," he said.Tuchel admitted the selection of Toney, who plays for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, was "a bit of a surprise to us" but said he "ticks some boxes that we wanted".The former Brentford striker has scored 32 goals in 32 league games this season. "I think he has very special skills that could help us, meaning the situation, the scenario when we are chasing a result, when we are chasing a goal," added Tuchel."I think he can be a very valuable addition to Harry Kane. He can be a presence in the box when we are pushing for a goal. He is a natural finisher, he can help us with set pieces, he is very strong in the air, very good in using his body."England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 with group games to follow against Ghana and Panama. SquadGoalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham)Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/ESP), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli/KSA), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona/ESP), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) 

England manager Thomas Tuchel signed a new contract on Thursday that will see him remain head coach of the team till the end of Euro 2028.The German was confirmed as the successor to Gareth Southgate in October 2024 and has overseen an unbeaten qualification run to this year's World Cup in North America, with England winning all eight group games."I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England," said the 52-year-old former Chelsea manager in an FA statement."It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup."It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud," added Tuchel, whose previous England deal ran only until the end of this year's global showpiece.The FA said that the new agreement with Tuchel would provide "clarity and full focus" amid speculation about his future after the World Cup.However, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham explained there are "performance conditions" in the deal."We tend to want to know where we are, to remove that uncertainty when you're going into a tournament," added Bullingham. "It gives everyone - the support team and the players - that certainty."Tuchel had been touted as a candidate to be the next permanent Manchester United manager.But in signing a new England contract, Tuchel appears to have ruled himself out of a post-World Cup move to Old Trafford.The FA added that Tuchel's senior backroom team had all also agreed contract extensions through to the end of Euro 2028."I have had so much support from Mark, all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job," added Tuchel.- 'No better candidate' -Extending his contract ahead of this year's World Cup is a clear sign of the FA's confidence in Tuchel, who is aiming to guide the England men's team to their first major trophy in six decades."He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers...There is simply no better candidate available in world football," said Bullingham.Tuchel, due to attend the Nations League draw in Brussels on Thursday, said in his first interview after succeeding Southgate that he wanted to add a "second star" to the England shirt by winning the 2026 World Cup.The only major international tournament won by the England men's team was when they triumphed on home soil at the 1966 World Cup, defeating the then West Germany in a Wembley final.But they twice came close to ending that barren run under Southgate, losing in both the Euro 2020 and 2024 finals.Tuchel's England team eased through qualification, winning all eight matches in a group which also featured Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra.They will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their World Cup group.But tougher tests could await in the knockout stages with co-hosts Mexico in line to face England on home ground in the last 16 should Tuchel's men top their group, with a possible quarter-final against five-time world champions Brazil to follow. 

Phil Foden’s brilliant double in Manchester City's dominant 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday was not just a statement for his club but may well have been a timely reminder to England manager Thomas Tuchel.City boss Pep Guardiola praised the 25-year-old Foden, who struggled through a difficult campaign last season but now looks revitalised, and backed the midfielder, who has not played for England since March, for a return to Tuchel's squad.Tuchel will name his squad next week for World Cup qualifying games against Serbia and Albania. Asked whether Foden’s performance could boost his chances of a return to the England squad, Guardiola was diplomatic, but pointed."Thomas is so smart and wise, and knows exactly what national team needs," he said. "Thomas knows perfectly well how good Phil is. (But) the national team is different, it is a short time, create a team when you are not a team, because you are not there all together every day. But come on, Phil -- there's no person in this country and all around the world who doesn't know his quality and ability. But England is so lucky to have many good players. That's why Phil has to push himself to be better and better and better, because when he is called, he can say 'Okay, I'm going to show how good I am'."Asked if Foden was on his way back to top form, Guardiola said: "He is already there. He does not need to get closer," he added. "It is true we have missed goals and he got two incredible goals. How many times have we seen that from Phil? The generosity with the effort but also with the quality in the final third. We missed it a lot. When Phil is in the level, when playing between the lines, in the pockets, and it doesn't matter, his first touch, his turn, and after his generosity, running and fighting, as much as Phil is happy and (feeling) love and joy, the rest, you don't have to say much, because he's a special player," Guardiola said. "But we need his goals definitely and today, hopefully, the first step."Foden said he was loving playing again. "I just need to play with a smile on my face, which I'm doing," he said. "Last year was tough, not just for myself but for everyone. There is a new togetherness this season and you can tell. You learn a lot from it when you go through a tough patch. We have great captains in our team and we speak about how we can get back on track. And we've added great players to the squad as well and that's brought real hunger and togetherness. It was just about trying to be the team we used to be and this season we are seeing glimpses of that."Guardiola said Foden's standout performance on Wednesday was perfect timing with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool visiting on Sunday. "Before the big, big match on Sunday, it is important to have him back."

Manager Thomas Tuchel laughed off taunts from England fans as “British humour” after his team smashed Latvia 5-0 to become the first European side to book a place at next year’s World Cup.Harry Kane’s first-half double in Riga on Tuesday, along with goals from Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and a Maksims Tonisevs own goal, guaranteed England a place at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.Tuchel was on the receiving end of light-hearted chants from the travelling fans who were responding to the German’s criticism of the atmosphere during Thursday’s 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley.He was subjected to taunts of “We sing when we want” and “Are we loud enough for you?”.“I got a bit of stick today, in the first half, pretty much in every song,” said Tuchel.“So fair enough. Well done. I take it and good humour, good sense of humour.“They had a reason today from my last comments and I guess that’s fair enough. I got a bit of stick and I found it quite creative.“It made me smile and this is how it has to be. It’s British humour and I surely can take it. No harm done.”Tuchel, whose contract runs until the end of the World Cup, said vocal support from fans was vital as the team chases a first major trophy since 1966.“It’s so important. They are here and I said the support in Serbia was brilliant, and we are very sure the support in America (at the World Cup) will be absolutely brilliant,” he said. “We need it. It makes such a difference if you go out as a player or as a coach and you see the fans behind the team and singing.“We want to make them proud, we want to make them happy. They should be happy to watch us and they should be able to identify with how we play.“We are on our way to build something and top performance from them.”England’s victory in Riga made it six wins from six in Group K and they now have an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Albania, with two games remaining.The draw for the group stage of the World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5.

Thomas Tuchel blasted England’s “silent” fans for failing to back his team loudly enough during their 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley on Thursday.Tuchel’s side delivered an eye-catching first half display as Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka all netted inside the first 20 minutes. England’s swaggering performance, which followed a 5-0 demolition of Serbia in a crucial World Cup qualifier in September, was a promising sign as they gear up for next year’s World Cup.But Tuchel took exception to what he felt was a tepid response from England supporters in the sell-out crowd. “We did very, very well. We had an excellent first half, we were 3-0 up very quickly but could have been four or five. Then we couldn’t score the fourth one or the fifth one and the stadium was silent,” Tuchel said.“Silent! We never got any energy back from the fans and I think the players delivered a lot to get more from the fans. It was difficult to keep everything going in the second half, but we did excellent and deserved to win. A step in the right direction.”Tuchel’s frustration was exacerbated by hearing Wales backed by 7,000 raucous fans, who never stopped cheering their team even though they were completely out-classed.The German may also have been letting off steam after he was jeered by England fans at the City Ground in Nottingham following a shock friendly loss against Senegal in June.Asked if he expected more from supporters at Wembley when England were playing so well, Tuchel responded: “Yeah, what more can you give in 20 minutes? Three goals, the way we attacked Wales and didn’t let them escape. “Even in their own half, ball win after ball win after ball win. If you only hear Wales fans for half an hour, it’s a bit sad because I think the team deserved big support today.”England fans engaged in their Wembley tradition of throwing paper aeroplanes when they felt the match wasn’t entertaining enough, with many leaving well before the final whistle.Tuchel stood by his controversial comments when he faced the media at his post-match press conference.“Good moment to explain myself. First of all, I said the support in Serbia was absolutely fantastic when we played last time. I said it and I meant it,” he said. “I love English football and I love English football fans and the support they give. But I think today the atmosphere did not match the performance on the field.”Tuchel is certain England will be backed by much louder support from travelling fans in Latvia when they resume World Cup qualification on Tuesday.England are on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup and could be certain to progress to the tournament if they win in Latvia, depending on other results in Group K. Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Tuchel has now won six of his seven games since replacing Gareth Southgate.

England manager Thomas Tuchel is adamant there is "no curse" upon his side as he looks to end their near 60-year wait for a major international trophy. England's only previous major title came at the 1966 World Cup on home soil, defeating West Germany in the final.England came close several times to ending the drought under Tuchel's predecessor Gareth Southgate, losing successive European Championship finals, as well as reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the last eight in 2022. England's women have enjoyed success under Sarina Wiegman, winning back-to-back Euros titles in 2022 and 2025, while the men's Under-21 side are also double European champions after backing up their 2023 title with victory in Slovakia in June."Not at all," Tuchel said when asked if he felt extra pressure due to the women's and youth teams' successes. "If it is something, then it is a good omen and I was so happy for Sarina and (Under-21 coach) Lee (Carsley) because they made it and they made an extraordinary effort and a huge success with back-to-back victories... It is possible (to win a trophy with England), there is no curse on English teams and it is a good omen and we will do our very best to follow their example."England face Andorra today in qualifying for next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, before taking on Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday. "I get a lot of tips, that's for sure, but always in a friendly manner," former Chelsea boss Tuchel said of his interactions with England fans. "Most of them just say, 'Bring it home, Thomas'. That's basically the task."Manchester City defender John Stones has withdrawn from the squad for the upcoming games with injury. Stones has not added to his tally of 83 caps since last October. "Unfortunately, John Stones just left," Tuchel said. "He came with minor issues, muscular issues, to camp and didn't progress as we thought and hoped he would. So, he left camp this morning (Friday) because we will not take the risk. Everyone else is available."Tuchel confirmed England captain Harry Kane will lead the side in the Andorra qualifier. "Yes. He (Kane) starts. There is no balance, the competition is on and it is World Cup season," he said.England only beat Andorra, a lowly 174th in the FIFA world rankings, 1-0 when the teams met in their initial qualifier in June. "We will face in both matches a deep block and a 5-4-1 for sure in the first match and it is the challenge to overcome that quickly and aggressively and play with more rhythm than we did in the first match (against Andorra)," said Tuchel.Latvia and Albania are the other two sides in Group K of European qualifying, with the group winners booking a place at the World Cup.