Manager Thomas Tuchel has challenged his players to write a “new chapter” in the history of English football.
Three Lions coach Tuchel gave a powerful speech to the players as they arrived at their training base in Florida for the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford revealed that Tuchel had sent a clear message that England could win trophies, telling his players to overcome every hurdle but insisting they could go all the way. England goalkeeper Pickford said: “That’s the main aim. It’s for everyone to win and that’s our main aim. The manager said we’ll be here in Miami for 10 days. We have two friendlies so that’s our first chapter.”
“I think there are several chapters before we get to the finals. We have to overcome each chapter, each one as it comes and each hurdle. And I think that’s the message. We know what the end goal is.”
“It’s not going to stay this way. There’s going to be hurdles, there’s going to be chapters, and we have to deal with those chapters and enjoy the ride and the journey.
“This is my third World Cup and my fifth or sixth in the majors. Being away from the players and keeping the team together allows us to do well there and that’s what we’re getting here.”
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Tuchel was called up to deliver England’s first World Cup since 1966 as England looked to end a long wait for a trophy under Gareth Southgate.
Pickford insists that Tuchel will not only set high demands, but also demand the right attitude to ensure adequate preparation. England are based in Florida and will play friendlies against New Zealand and Costa before flying to Kansas City for a tournament against Croatia in Dallas on June 17th.
Pickford added: “He’s been great for us, especially for me. He’s really great in the sense that he likes to have a bit of a laugh off the pitch. He likes to be involved. He likes to see us all engage with each other off the pitch, but when he’s on the pitch it’s work. He likes to have a laugh off the pitch.”
“This is a business and he lays out these details in meetings. He sets high demands for us. And I think he knows that we all reward him with those high demands that he sets. We all set high demands for ourselves. We’re all under the same badge and everyone wants the right win.”
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Pickford also insists he is prepared to take a penalty in the event of a shoot-out. Pickford declined to say whether he had yet to start working on penalties, but manager Thomas Tuchel told his players they may need to win two shootouts if they want to go all the way.
Pickford, England’s No. 1, scored in the Nations League shootout and, after watching Arsenal suffer in the Champions League final, is keen to step up again if the need arises.
Pickford said, “Well, I back myself 100 percent. I back myself for taking it. I’m going to practice and I’m going to do it. The only thing is, I want to focus on saving as well. So there’s a balance.”
“I keep that commitment close to my heart. We’ll probably start implementing it little by little right away. It’s just little details, but they’re all built into making us the best team we can be. So I think that’s probably going to start to follow relatively soon.”
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