Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered his brutally honest assessment of England and Wales' chances at Euro 2024, and his verdict makes for fascinating reading for British football fans.
The German tactician, who previously enjoyed success in the Premier League with Chelsea, has been closely monitoring the preparations of both home nations ahead of this summer's tournament in Germany.
Tuchel's England Reality Check
While many have tipped England as potential champions, Tuchel offered a more measured perspective on Gareth Southgate's side. "They have incredible individual quality," the Bayern boss acknowledged, "but tournament football demands more than just star names."
Tuchel highlighted the immense pressure on England to finally deliver silverware after decades of disappointment. "The expectation weighs heavily," he noted. "Sometimes this can work against a team when the moment of truth arrives."
Wales' Underdog Status
The German manager showed particular admiration for Wales' remarkable journey to another major tournament. "What they have achieved with a smaller pool of players is extraordinary," Tuchel praised.
He pointed to Wales' team spirit and organisation as potential advantages. "In tournament football, sometimes the collective can overcome teams with more individual talent. Wales understand this better than most."
Tournament Experience Counts
Drawing from his own extensive experience in European competition, Tuchel emphasised that tournament success often comes down to mentality and adaptability.
"You need to be pragmatic," he explained. "Beautiful football doesn't always win tournaments. You must know when to suffer, when to be compact, and when to take your one chance."
Both England and Wales will be hoping to prove Tuchel's insights right when Euro 2024 kicks off next month, with British fans eagerly awaiting to see if either nation can make a deep run in the competition.
