World Cup 2026: England boss Thomas Tuchel on how he gave his attackers freedom on the pitch | football news

England boss Thomas Tuchel says he is trying not to “frustrate” his forward players at the World Cup.

England produced an electric attacking display in their 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening Group L game, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on the scoresheet.

Speaking ahead of their next match with Ghana on Tuesday, Tuchel was asked how he trusts his attacking players.

“I’m very happy and very lucky coach because they brought this mentality, so I didn’t have to take on their mentality,” he said.

“They brought this mindset, and now it’s hard to keep them in the mindset.”

Tuchel went on to explain his methods for doing this by citing Dutch orchestra conductor Bernard Haitink.

“As a very famous conductor quotes, he doesn’t want to disturb the music and he doesn’t want to disturb the musicians,” Tuchel said.

“So that’s basically what we try to do in the coaching team. We don’t disturb the players and we don’t disturb the match.

“Just encourage them and encourage them to play with freedom, especially in attacking positions.

“But it’s pretty impressive that everyone has bought into the idea of ​​defending together at the moment and that’s what we did brilliantly in the second half, constantly pushing into a high press and that’s what we try (against Ghana).

“I predict a slightly different game than Croatia because of (Ghana’s) different approach but who knows? We have to be ready to find answers to any questions.”

Soccer injuries spike ahead of Ghana Test

Tuchel’s attacking options have been boosted by positive news of Bucayo Soccer’s fitness.

England boss says Saka “doesn’t feel pain anymore” amid concerns over Achilles injury. “Bukayo is getting better,” Tuchel said. “He’s freer in his movements. He doesn’t feel pain anymore.

“He’s been able to do both of our training sessions the last two days at the highest level. So he’s ready to go… not saying whether he’ll start from the bench or come on.”

Noni Maduke, who impressed against Croatia, is still likely to start ahead of Soccer on the right wing. But there is uncertainty over whether Anthony Gordon or Rashford will get the nod on the left wing, where they are battling for playing time.

Despite the competition between them for places on the pitch, Tuchel says Gordon and Rashford are good and push each other’s standards.

“Amazing dynamic,” Tuchel said when asked about their relationship. “They compete for a place, of course, mainly for the left wing. But the way they compete, they compete as friends and they compete as teammates.

“And they compete at the highest level of respect. That’s what I see in training.

“Everyone was happy when Marcus scored and Anthony was one of the first off the bench to congratulate him.

“That’s the spirit and that’s what everybody buys into and takes it to a higher level at this point.”