Jordan Pickford has declared that Thomas Tuchel has instilled a "winning mentality" in the England squad, which could be the key to lifting the World Cup after years of near misses under Gareth Southgate.
Pickford Backs Tuchel's Impact
The Everton goalkeeper, who has been England's number one for several major tournaments, believes Tuchel's track record of success at clubs like Chelsea can translate to international glory. "I know we wanted to dream big and wanted to get to the final, but that journey we came on as a group of players, that's driven us to now," Pickford said.
"That then, stepping stones to get to the final, and fall short in the final, to get quarters in Qatar, fall short unfortunately, then get another final against Spain. That created, but then the squad evolves, the manager evolves, and the manager now, Thomas, he's a winner. He drives winning mentality, he won at Chelsea, he wins where he goes, and he's passion and he's desire."
Confidence High Ahead of Croatia Opener
Pickford emphasized that the squad now believes they can win every match they play. "I think we believe every time we put a shirt on that we're going to win every football match. You've got to have that mentality going into football as well." He praised Tuchel's team talks and training sessions, calling them "top drawer."
The goalkeeper also addressed comments from Jude Bellingham about a lack of connection during Euro 2024, insisting the squad's togetherness is strong. "I've always said we've got a good togetherness. Ever since 2018, you live on a journey, you go on a journey with everybody and you've got to smile, you've got to be happy."
Pickford acknowledged that tournament life can be a rollercoaster but stressed the importance of brotherhood. "This camp, the manager, once that brotherhood is together, that's what I mentioned earlier, he'll keep pushing that and I think it's down to the players to keep driving that."
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, with Pickford confident that Tuchel's winning mentality can finally bring the trophy home.
