Thomas Tuchel warns England there is no 'easy route' to World Cup success

Thomas Tuchel warns England there is no “easy route” to World Cup success, arguing that past setbacks can be a training ground rather than a handicap. Speaking ahead of the Wednesday round of 32 match, he said England’s expectations are high but meaningful progress requires enduring painful moments and doubts. Tuchel referenced England’s decade-ago 2016 defeat to Iceland and noted survivors from Euro 2016—including Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, John Stones and Jordan Henderson—are still in the squad. He also described his own 2016 penalty-shootout experience while coaching Borussia Dortmund against Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich, saying it led him to build a dedicated penalty programme with the FA. With the Democratic Republic of Congo as opponents at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the message is clear: success takes preparation under pressure.