Thomas Tuchel has warned England against complacency as they prepare for their World Cup last-32 meeting with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon. The head coach acknowledged the shadow of Iceland 2016, the tenth anniversary of which fell last Saturday, as a reminder of how a seemingly winnable knockout tie can end in ignominy.
England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama, but the performance was met with a collective shrug. Tuchel knows the pressure is on, with the team aiming for a second star on the shirt. He cited his own doubts after a 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand, asking himself: “Am I good enough?” His record in knockout football, including a 74% win ratio and Champions League success with Chelsea, suggests he thrives in high-stakes matches.
Injuries have complicated preparations, with Reece James and Jarell Quansah sidelined and Bukayo Saka managing an achilles problem. Tuchel faces a decision on whether to rest Saka or start him, with Noni Madueke an option on the right. Marcus Rashford, on the left, needs to sharpen his end product.
The DRC, who held Portugal in the group stage, are expected to sit deep and counter, testing an England defence that has shown vulnerabilities. England have never lost to an African side at the World Cup, but Tuchel insists that history is no guarantee, pointing to the scars carried by players such as Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and John Stones from the Iceland defeat.
With expectations high, Tuchel knows failure could have severe consequences. The quality in the squad is evident, but conviction and patience will be required against a side eager to frustrate.
