Thomas Tuchel has challenged his players to write a “new chapter” in English football history. The Three Lions boss delivered a powerful speech to the squad upon their arrival at the Florida training base, setting the tone for World Cup preparations.
Clear Message from Tuchel
Jordan Pickford revealed that Tuchel sent an unequivocal message: England can win the trophy. The manager instructed the players to overcome every hurdle, insisting they have what it takes to go all the way. “That’s our main goal,” Pickford said. “It is for everyone, to win and that is our main goal. The manager said we're here for ten days in Miami. We've got two friendly warm up games, so that's our first chapter.”
Pickford elaborated on the manager’s vision: “I think there's going to be a few chapters along the way to get to the final. We're going to have to take each chapter as it comes and each hurdle as it comes. And I think that's the message - we know what our end goal is. It's not going to just go like that - there's going to be hurdles, there are going to be chapters. And we're going to have to deal with those chapters and enjoy the ride and enjoy the journey.”
This marks Pickford’s third World Cup and fifth or sixth major tournament. He emphasised the importance of team togetherness: “Being away with the lads, having that team togetherness gets us along there, and that's what we've got here.”
High Demands and Preparation
England came close to ending their long trophy drought under Gareth Southgate, but Tuchel was brought in to deliver the first World Cup since 1966. Pickford insists that Tuchel sets high demands while striking the right tone to ensure thorough preparation. “He's been brilliant for us, for me especially. He's really good in the sense that he likes to have a bit of a laugh off the pitch. He likes to get involved. He likes to see us all engaged with each other off the pitch, but when you're on the pitch, it's work. It's business and he goes into detail in the meetings. He sets a high demand from us. And I think he knows we all repay him with that high demand he sets; we all put high demand on ourselves. We’re all under one badge, and we all want the right victory.”
England are based in Florida and will play friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica before heading to Kansas City for the tournament. Their opening match is against Croatia in Dallas on June 17.
Penalty Shoot-Out Readiness
Pickford also confirmed he would be ready to take a penalty in a shoot-out. Although he declined to reveal whether penalty practice has begun, Tuchel has told the players they might need to win two shoot-outs to go all the way. Pickford, who scored in a shoot-out in the Nations League, is eager to step up again despite witnessing Arsenal’s Champions League final agony. “Yeah, I'd back myself 100 percent. I'll back myself to take it. I'll put the practice in and execute it. The only thing is that I want to focus on the saving as well. So there is a balance. I'm keeping that work close to my chest. We'll probably start implementing that a little bit soon. Just small little details, but everything incorporates to being the best team we can be. So I think that'll probably start following in relatively soon.”
