England team falls into a difficult group, what does coach Tuchel say?

Thomas Tuchel appeared relieved and stuck to his usual philosophy after the 2026 World Cup draw – an event that was considered bizarre, lengthy and filled with unbelievable moments. As media and fans continuously analyzed, predicted and even worried on behalf of England about possible scenarios in the knockout stages, Tuchel kept his cool, insisting that his team should only focus on what was truly within their control.

The draw in Washington DC lasted nearly two hours and brought many situations that "shocked" the audience and the media. The group stage matches were announced with many destinations spread across North America: Croatia will play in Toronto or Dallas; Ghana in Boston or Toronto; Panama in New Jersey or Philadelphia. Determining the location alone is enough to make teams carefully calculate travel schedules, climate and match times.

In England, the familiar excitement and anxiety quickly took hold. A range of scenarios were being drawn up: a round of 16 clash at the legendary Azteca against Mexico – the site of the Hand of God – or a fiery quarter-final against Brazil in Miami. When asked about these prospects, Tuchel simply grimaced, as if to say it was too early to think about it. Everything still depended on England’s performance in their already difficult group.

In fact, before the draw, England’s biggest issue wasn’t the opponents, but the timing, weather, and venue allocation – factors that could have a significant impact on the players’ fitness. These details were only announced at a separate ceremony the following day, putting the FA’s preparations on hold. Tuchel even said the FA might have to reconsider its plans to base itself in Kansas City, as England will be playing most of their matches on the East Coast. The FA also officially confirmed two friendlies in March against Japan and Uruguay at Wembley to prepare for the tournament.

Amid a barrage of questions about opponents, conditions and the possibility of facing South American giants, Tuchel repeatedly stressed one thing: avoid overthinking. He repeated a phrase that England players have long known: just do what you can, face whatever challenges come your way. “We are not worried,” Tuchel insisted. “Not worried about the opponents, not worried about what happens in other groups. We are just focused on what we can influence. That is the energy we want to maintain.”

England team falls into a difficult group, what does coach Tuchel say? - photo 2 — England coach Thomas Tuchel before the 2026 World Cup draw. Photo: ANP/Shutterstock.

When asked about the possibility of facing Mexico or Brazil, Tuchel admitted he would be keen to play in Mexico City – where he watched the World Cup as a teenager “like something from a different galaxy”. But he cautioned against talking about far-fetched scenarios when England have yet to play a single group game. “We have to make sure we are there first. We cannot influence who is with us in the next round.”

England's first opponents are Croatia, who beat them 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, but were then beaten 1-0 by England at Euro 2020. Ghana, with Premier League stars Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, are also unpredictable, while Panama lost 6-1 at the 2018 World Cup but have improved significantly since. Asked if this was a favourable draw, Tuchel simply said: "It's a difficult and complicated group, but that's how it is. We're not avoiding anything."

The chaos and confusion of the draw ceremony will be remembered for a long time, but not for the solemn moments. Right outside the Kennedy Center, hundreds of international reporters had to line up for more than two hours in the snow, going through multiple security checks to get in. Inside, awkward moments continued to arise. FIFA President Gianni Infantino – who calls himself the “happy man” of the World Cup – repeatedly tried to rouse the crowd with chants of “USA, USA, USA.”

The most shocking moment was when Infantino presented former US President Donald Trump with a FIFA “ peace award”, along with a large trophy, medal and certificate. Infantino said: “You can wear this medal anywhere.” Trump immediately put it around his neck, causing a stir in the audience. Afterwards, Trump, along with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, were invited on stage as “drawing assistants”, although they only drew the names of their co-host countries.

England team falls into a difficult group, what does coach Tuchel say? - photo 3 — FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses with US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photo: Bonnie Cash/UPI/Shutterstock.

Even football figures have not escaped the attention. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni appeared with the golden trophy but wearing white gloves, causing many to laugh because he looked like a snooker referee carefully guarding the treasure.

After nearly 90 tense, disjointed but dramatic minutes, the final draw was finally decided. And amidst the chaos, Thomas Tuchel held on to one thing: England would move forward with focus, composure and belief in their own control.

According to The Guardian

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/doi-tuyen-anh-roi-bang-dau-kho-hlv-tuchel-noi-gi-186121.html