Tuchel: 'World Cup restarts for England'
USA—Coach Thomas Tuchel believes England will step up in knockout stage, after 2-0 win against Panama in final round to top Group L at World Cup 2026.
Coach Thomas Tuchel before England 2-0 Panama match in final round of Group L World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on June 27, 2026. Photo: Reuters
"Now World Cup restarts for England with knockout stage. We will recover physically, strengthen spirit and belief. Bigger games, we play better," Tuchel said after match at MetLife Stadium on June 27.
This match, Panama already eliminated after two losses but still impressed with pragmatic play. Central American team defended deep, kept tight shape, conceded only two goals. After first two rounds, matches involving Panama had only 32 total shots, lowest in tournament.
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Like Ghana and Croatia, England struggled against Panama's crowded defense. Only in second half did "Three Lions" relieve pressure and decide match. Jude Bellingham scored close-range opener, then crossed for Harry Kane to head home, sealing 2-0 win. Result helped England win Group L and enter easier bracket without title contenders like Spain, Germany, France, or Netherlands.
"We did what was needed," Tuchel added. "Tough match, hard to score. We only team to score two against Panama. Players played aggressively but remained cautious against counter-attacks. We deserved win, but it was hard work."
*Bellingham scores opening goal.
Asked about Harry Kane becoming top English World Cup goalscorer (11 goals), Tuchel replied briefly: "Good, but not end yet."
On squad fitness, Tuchel said Bukayo Saka has no major issues, while Declan Rice rested after yellow card to avoid risk in knockout stage. Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah left pitch injured, needs further tests. "Three days until next match, but no problem. We used to this rhythm," Tuchel said about round of 16 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta on July 1.
Bellingham said England achieved first goal in tournament. 22-year-old midfielder also pleased with assist more than goal, praised teammate Kane. "Combining and assisting Harry is great. He keeps raising level, best striker," Bellingham said.
Kane assessed England lacked sharpness in final third during first half, but improved in second. Captain also praised Bellingham's top form, wants to extend World Cup scoring record.
*Kane seals 2-0 win.
Meanwhile, Roy Keane downplayed England's win, saying "Three Lions" only made difference when stars stepped up after break. "Not pretty performance," former Man Utd midfielder commented on ITV. "But Bellingham and Kane delivered at right time, what you need in tight games."
Gary Neville also noted Bellingham is in best form, said England must improve. "Tuchel said team plays better against big opponents, they must prove it. He cannot leave pitch feeling everything perfect," former England defender said.
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