Tuchel expects England to shine against Croatia in World Cup opener
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 1:41 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel anticipates a strong performance from his squad as they face Croatia in their World Cup opener on Wednesday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Tuchel emphasized the importance of playing bravely and relying on the players' strengths, despite England's mixed record against top teams under his leadership. He expressed confidence that the match atmosphere will inspire the players to excel, addressing the challenge of facing a top-20 side after drawing with Uruguay and losing to Japan and Senegal in previous encounters. England aims to establish itself as a contender in Group L during the tournament.
- •England opens World Cup against Croatia on June 17.
- •Tuchel coaches first World Cup match as England manager.
- •England has struggled against top teams under Tuchel.
- •Squad aims to leverage strengths for success.
- •Match takes place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
- 1:41 AMYahoo Sports — Tuchel wants England to ‘enjoy our mission’ at World Cup
- 12:30 AMThe Guardian Sport — Tuchel says World Cup will ‘bring out the best’ in England against old foes Croatia
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Thomas Tuchel says World Cup opener against Croatia will ‘bring out the best’ in ‘brave’ England
"Manager confident match will showcase side’s abilities ‘We should play brave and to the strengths of the players’ Thomas Tuchel has said the occasion and tension will bring the best out of England when they open their World Cup campaign with an awkward game against Croatia on Wednesday. England cruised through qualifying, but have a patchy record against top opposition and much to prove before their first encounter in Group L. They have faced top-20 sides on three occasions under Tuchel, drawing with Uruguay and losing to Japan and Senegal. Continue reading...
"Thomas Tuchel says England are ready to make the nation proud as they finally kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia. Excitement and anticipation is building ahead of Wednesday’s Group L curtain raiser at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium as the first European nation to qualify for this summer’s tournament become one of the last countries to get going.
"England manager Thomas Tuchel promised his squad would rise to the occasion against Croatia
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 1:41 AMTuchel wants England to ‘enjoy our mission’ at World Cup
Thomas Tuchel says England are ready to make the nation proud as they finally kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia. Excitement and anticipation is building ahead of Wednesday’s Group L curtain raiser at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium as the first European nation to qualify for this summer’s tournament become one of the last countries to get going.
- The Guardian SportJun 17, 2026, 12:30 AMTuchel says World Cup will ‘bring out the best’ in England against old foes Croatia
Manager confident match will showcase side’s abilities ‘We should play brave and to the strengths of the players’ Thomas Tuchel has said the occasion and tension will bring the best out of England when they open their World Cup campaign with an awkward game against Croatia on Wednesday. England cruised through qualifying, but have a patchy record against top opposition and much to prove before their first encounter in Group L. They have faced top-20 sides on three occasions under Tuchel, drawing with Uruguay and losing to Japan and Senegal. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 12:30 AMThomas Tuchel says World Cup opener against Croatia will ‘bring out the best’ in ‘brave’ England
England manager Thomas Tuchel promised his squad would rise to the occasion against Croatia
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