“The occasion will bring out the best in us,” says Tuchel ahead of England’s World Cup opener | OneFootball

England boss Thomas Tuchel assured England’s opening World Cup clash against Croatia “will bring out the best” from his team in their reunion with familiar opponents from past major tournaments.

The German believes his side will be ready to deal with the threat posed by Croatia and stated, “Because it’s not a friendly match, we will not try stuff…we will rely on us, and the occasion and the tension will bring out the best in us.”

“We should play bravely and play to the strengths of the players,” he said. “I feel clearly that the players want it and that they are successful in club football like this. They compete in the strongest league, most of them.

“The others who are not in the league compete at the highest level in Europe and the Champions League, and they play in brave and active teams.

“It makes things exciting and creates a certain energy, and we need a connection with our fans who are here, with the fans at home, to create something special.”

He also went on to speak about his players knowing that this is where the hard work truly starts and will begin to pay off. “I don’t feel any emotional fuel is needed to make everyone clear what is happening. We know.

“I see it even as an advantage that we’re very focused on what we can influence. We don’t put it in the bigger picture – just put it where it is. Go day by day; influence what you can influence. If we can stay there, I think we have an even better chance to compete and perform on our highest level.”

Croatia broke England’s hearts in Russia in 2018, when they came from behind to reach the final at England’s expense.

Tuchel’s side will certainly be hoping to put those demons to bed this evening. The core of that squad, Luka Modric, Matteo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic, are all expected to start for Croatia.

“From a midfield three, which was the core of Croatia, it has only Kovacic and Modric still there,” he said. “They’re playing in a midfield two now. They play with fluid number 10s and wing-backs. But the core is still Modric and Kovacic.

“Then they have Perisic, who is always a threat with the crosses. That is one of the most dangerous crossers in world football, maybe – left foot, right foot, he does not even need space to put a cross in. It is remarkable. And they are strong in set pieces”.

England’s World Cup campaign will get underway in Dallas at 21:00 (BST) this evening, with live coverage on ITV1 and ITVX.

For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.