Thomas Tuchel has declared that England should embrace the excitement of their World Cup draw, despite a potentially daunting knockout path. The Three Lions were placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, with a possible last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City and a quarter-final against Brazil looming.
Tuchel, speaking after the draw in Washington, insisted the team must focus on winning the group rather than worrying about future opponents. 'It's most important that we arrive with hunger. We don't worry about our opponents,' he said, adding that England will not get carried away by speculating on the pathway.
The England boss revealed he has already received a message from former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who plays for Croatia. Tuchel described the opening match against Croatia on June 17 as a 'big' encounter, noting that both teams know each other well. 'It could easily be a quarter-final or even later in the tournament, but it is what it is,' he said.
Tuchel also addressed the possibility of facing Mexico in the round of 16, recalling watching the 1986 World Cup as a teenager. 'It was like watching something from Mars or from another galaxy,' he said. However, he stressed that England must first secure top spot in Group L before considering such a tie.
England's group fixtures will take place in venues across the United States, with the opening match against Croatia in either Toronto or Dallas. The second game against Ghana is scheduled for June 23 in Toronto or Boston, followed by the final group match against Panama on June 27 in Philadelphia or New Jersey. Kick-off times and exact venues will be confirmed by FIFA on Saturday.
