Thomas Tuchel has informed his England team that they have entered a new stage of the World Cup where any win will do.
England’s 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday saw them finish top of Group L and set up a last-32 meeting with DR Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta as the knockout stages begin.
The expanded format of this summer’s World Cup to 48 teams means an extra knockout round is required to reach the round of 16.
England’s performance against Panama was an improvement on their display in the goalless draw with Ghana, but they have been unable to reproduce the firepower they showed in their opening-day 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington. Results matter more now England are through to the knockouts.
Tuchel has spoken about it being a World Cup of chapters and was asked what he hoped the next chapter would bring for England.
“Wins, wins,” he said. “I’d take any win.
“With a new stage of the tournament, it starts new again. It is knockout football. It brings its very own tension, its very own dynamics. We’ll prepare for that and be ready for it in four days.”
Tuchel added: “It’s a long way. It’s another three weeks, hopefully, for us. We have finished [the group]. Now the second part of it.
“Now is a moment to keep believe and keep on pushing. Everyone takes another step, everyone stays positive and gives everything so that the dream can come true. But it’s a long way to go.”
Asked if he knows his preferred starting lineup yet, Tuchel replied: “I know my starting 15. And from there I build and I see the energy on the training pitch and I see what the output is from match to match.
“And then we see what the opponent brings and how we need to react. But I see good performances and detail out there against very physical opponents, and I think we will find solutions when they are needed.”
