England must overcome Mexico, altitude and many ‘tricks’ in between to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, according to manager Thomas Tuchel
(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Manager Thomas Tuchel says England are ready for any “tricks” and insists they can achieve one of the greatest results on foreign soil.
England will face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16, but Tuchel insisted he was seeking “reconciliation” with the Azteca Stadium, recalling Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God goal in 1986.
But Tuchel also said England would deal with whatever happens from the stadium atmosphere, traffic delays, bus stops and altitude.
Three Lions manager Tuchel told ITV: “We’re expecting the worst and we’re prepared for the worst so we’ll see. We’ll see what happens with the traffic and noise outside the stadium and how long it takes to get through passport control.”
“Whatever tricks they pull, I’m expecting the worst and hoping for every trick. We just have to laugh and focus on what we can make an impact and we’ll be fine.
“We have players who can withstand these conditions. We have players who have played in hostile environments. Once we get into the stadium, we’ll be fine.”
“The height is a disadvantage, but it is what it is. They are perfectly adapted. My prediction is that they will struggle for the first 10 to 20 minutes, but once they get through that they will be fine.”
“They have home advantage and we basically play as the home representative. We play in an iconic stadium and we play at high altitude. There are a lot of positives on their side and we have a lot to deal with and we will.”
“We will make peace with the stadium. That’s the plan! It was a very symbolic goal against England, but it was a clear handball.
“We have a right to be bitter, but there’s no point in continuing to be bitter. We don’t want revenge, we just want to make peace with the stadium. It wasn’t against Mexico.”
“Well, it’s time to find the next level. We have to create more chances, not concede too many goals and choose our pressing moments more wisely. We have to be more careful with the distance between the lines. The players are aware of that and we are aware of that, which is good.”
Thomas Tuchel has some issues ahead of England vs. Mexico (Image: Getty Images)
Tuchel insisted that Declan Rice would be in midfield rather than right-back, and hinted that England would “get some players back”, with Reece James and Jarrell Quansah hoping to return soon.
England are now in the final stages of the tournament and Tuchel believes they are ready to step up.
Asked if it would be a big win for England on foreign soil, Tuchel said: “Yes, it could happen and we will do it.”
“The feeling before the tournament was that if we get to the point where Mexico comes, this could be a real moment. After the game, you’ll feel it, yeah, we’re on our way.”
“Yes, we’re getting there and now we’re getting to the point where it’s even more of a 50-50 game. The playing field is level now so everyone is feeling it.”
“We have the quality, we have the belief, we have the team spirit, we have the glue that makes it special and we will write the next chapter.
“I feel so connected to everyone. The last five weeks have brought everyone so close, so I’m giving it my all!”
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