Jordan Pickford says England ready to ‘go to war’ for Thomas Tuchel at World Cup | OneFootball

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has declared the squad is prepared to "go to war" for manager Thomas Tuchel as they gear up to face DR Congo in a pivotal World Cup last-32 encounter.

The emphatic statement underscores the team's fierce determination as they push for a place in the round of 16.

Having secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey, England now enter the knockout stages with their sights firmly set on ending a trophy drought that stretches back to 1966.

Pickford, a veteran of the squads that reached consecutive European Championship finals under Sir Gareth Southgate, has consistently championed England's capacity to clinch a major tournament.

When questioned by BBC Sport about what distinguishes the current campaign, the Everton shot-stopper highlighted a renewed sense of unity and conviction.

Thomas Tuchel has England players believing they can go all the way at the World Cup (PA)

"Belief, togetherness. I think we have had that previously, but I think the manager’s got that belief in us," Pickford explained.

He elaborated on Tuchel's motivational approach: "The meetings the manager has with us, it is like you are ready to go to war. He puts that belief in you. There is different meetings he has tactically, and it is like ‘yeah, it is go time’." He added, "We all want the same goal, we all want that end goal and this squad he has picked, we are all in good spirits and all in good moments in our career."

Beyond the collective spirit, Pickford continues to engage with a psychologist, a strategy he employs to sharpen his focus and ensure peak performance during critical moments.

Speaking to ITV Sport, he reflected on his personal development: "(It is) a lot of growth I am working on and being the best version of myself. We have got targets, who I am working with, and it is about being the best version of me and where that can take me. We know the journey it can take me on, and believing in that, and being me."

The next hurdle in England’s quest for World Cup glory is the last-32 clash against DR Congo, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams following their win over Uzbekistan on Saturday. While Pickford's penalty-saving prowess could prove crucial if the tie extends beyond normal time, the goalkeeper stressed the squad's collective resolve to secure victory within 90 minutes.

"We want to win the game in 90 minutes, but we will ready as a team, as a group, as England to do what it takes to get the victory," Pickford told ITV.

He affirmed the team's readiness for any scenario: "If it goes to penalties, extra-time, we have got the ability, we have got the lads to come off the bench, our togetherness is a high level and that is what we are here to do."

Acknowledging the strength of their opponents, he concluded: "We are here to do the job. We know Congo is a tough nation, we know how many teams in Africa have qualified for the next round of games. They are a proud nation, and we have got to be ready for what they bring – but it is also about what we bring as a group, and we will be right after them."