Thomas Tuchel has urged his England side to embrace the excitement of the World Cup quarter-finals and play without fear when they face Norway in Miami on Saturday. The manager called for bravery and front-foot intent, insisting the team must have no regrets.
Tuchel compared England's progress to scrapping through difficult FA Cup away ties in January and February, emphasising that the key is to find a way to win. 'This is the exciting part, but we need to let go. We need to connect to our identity and be brave. It's the quarter-final – the brave will have luck on their side,' he said.
England came from behind to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 in the round of 32, then held on with ten men to defeat Mexico 3-2 in the last 16. Tuchel acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster but stressed that now is the time to focus on their identity.
On the 'it's coming home' chant, Tuchel said: 'It's the motherland of football. Wembley is the cathedral. But we have steps in between. We cannot get carried away.' He added that the team has drawn a line under past matches and is fully focused on Norway.
Team news: Jarell Quansah is suspended, with Djed Spence expected at right-back. Reece James, Marc Guéhi and Declan Rice trained on Friday after injury and illness scares. Guéhi has a hamstring issue but hopes to start. Jordan Henderson is out with a fractured wrist.
