World Cup 2026: England boss Thomas Tuchel on how he has given his attackers freedom on the pitch | Football News

England boss Thomas Tuchel says he is trying not to “disturb” his forward players at the World Cup.

England put in an electric attacking display in their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening Group L game, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on the scoresheet.

Speaking ahead of their next match with Ghana on Tuesday, Tuchel was asked how he has put confidence into his offensive players.

“I’m a very happy and very lucky coach because they arrived with this mindset, so I didn’t have to get them in the mindset,” he said.

“They arrived with this mindset, and now it’s the difficulty to keep them in the mindset.”

Tuchel went on to explain his methods for doing that, referencing the Dutch orchestra conductor Bernard Haitink.

“A very famous conductor gave the quote, he doesn’t want to disturb the music and he doesn’t want to disturb the musicians,” said Tuchel.

“So that’s basically what we try to do in the coaching team. We don’t disturb the players and don’t disturb the match.

“Just encourage them and encourage them to play with freedom, especially in the attacking position.

“But it’s quite impressive how everyone at the moment buys into the idea of defending together, and that’s what we did excellently in the second half, pushed out constantly into a high press and that’s what we try [against Ghana].

“I predict a little bit of a different game than Croatia because of the different approach [of Ghana] but who knows? We have to be ready to find answers to any question that is asked.”

Saka injury boost ahead of Ghana test

Tuchel’s attacking options have been boosted by positive news on Bukayo Saka’s fitness.

The England boss says Saka “feels no more pain” amid concerns about an Achilles injury. “Bukayo is getting better and better,” said Tuchel. “He is more and more free in his movements. He feels no more pain.

“He was able to do both of our training sessions the last two days on the highest level. So he is ready to go… without telling you if he will start or come from the bench.”

Noni Madueke, who impressed against Croatia, is still likely to start ahead of Saka on the right wing. But there is uncertainty over whether Anthony Gordon or Rashford will get the nod on the left wing, where they are in a battle for game time.

Despite the competition for a place on the pitch between them, Tuchel says Gordon and Rashford get on well and are pushing up each other’s standards.

“Amazing dynamic,” said Tuchel when asked about their relationship. “They compete for one place, of course, mainly for the left wing. But the way they compete, they compete as friends and they compete as team-mates.

“And they compete on the highest level of respect. That’s what I see in training.

“Everyone was happy when Marcus scored and Anthony was one of the first ones out of the bench to congratulate.

“That’s the spirit and that’s what everyone buys into and lifts it up at the moment to a high level.”