Manager Thomas Tuchel issued a stern warning to his players, urging them not to jeopardize their World Cup chances by receiving a red card like Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal star Ronaldo could miss at least one game in next summer’s competition after being shown a red card in the match against the Republic of Ireland.
England manager Tuchel is expected to issue a warning to his players ahead of the final qualifier against Albania, reminding them to avoid any reckless behavior as they have already qualified. “It’s important, I know it and we’ll talk about it. I hope there’s no red card,” Tuchel said.
“If there is any doubt, we are ahead and we are in the last man’s position, so if that player is wearing the shirt he will be given a red card. If there is any doubt, it would be wiser not to do it.”
“If he goes to the example of the last man, and we can avoid it, then of course there will be no red card, but I don’t want to make it too big of a story, because there are clouds gathering. But if you have a choice, it’s better not to do it.”
Tuchel also revealed that he had spoken to Tottenham defender Jed Spence after the full-back snubbed his club’s manager when he left the pitch three weeks ago.
Spence and Micky van de Ven ignored Thomas Frank, who wanted the defender to thank the fans, but Tuchel made it clear he would not approve.
Tuchel had no intention of leaving Spence out, but he set the rules straight for the game against Albania.
“Yeah, I didn’t like it. Because the players know in the 10 days of camp that they’re not just international players, they always are international players, and they know that standards of conduct are always important.”
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has left camp with a calf injury and will miss the match against Albania, which is a cause for concern for the club.
Tuchel added: “Ezri is not with us. He has tightness in his calf and he was tested in the afternoon, but we didn’t take the risk, so we didn’t take him.”
“All the other players are ready. He has played a lot of games for Aston Villa so he was a candidate to be rested.”
