TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - England national football team manager Thomas Tuchel stated that the dramatic victory over Norway is crucial to the Three Lions' preparation for the 2026 World Cup semifinal showdown against Argentina in Atlanta.
"The next three days are crucial, of course, to be ready. We have another flight, but this victory will help a lot, this feeling will help a lot. We have a top facility to recover at the highest level, and we will be ready," Tuchel said during a press conference following Saturday's clash against Norway in Miami.
Tuchel added that the squad is gearing up for the final eight days of football's biggest tournament.
Reflecting on the quarterfinal result, he praised his team's fighting spirit after a Jude Bellingham brace secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway to book their semifinal spot.
"What I feel in my heart ... there's no doubt I'm proud, and I'm happy," said Tuchel. "I feel so connected to this team because they just do whatever it takes to take the next step. They just refuse to lose."
Bellingham scored the equalizer in first-half injury time before striking again early in extra time to help the Three Lions complete the comeback.
"There's nothing wrong with it there," said the coach of his team's reliance on the duo of Bellingham and captain Harry Kane. "We don't need to be sorry for that, that these two guys play for us and decide the matches for us. It's impressive."
The high-stakes match was also marked by several video assistant referee (VAR) interventions. Norway's Torbjorn Heggem had a 55th-minute goal disallowed for a foul by Erling Haaland, while England's penalty decision in the final minutes was overturned after a review for a foul on Djed Spence.
Despite the victory, the England manager remained critical of his team's technical performance. "My mind isn't fully satisfied. I think we can play faster. I think we can play more clinically. We have too many unforced errors, technical mistakes. In our game, that cost us a lot of belief," he said.
For Norway, the defeat marked the end of their historic run. Star striker Haaland was withdrawn 15 minutes before the end of extra time. "I think he struggled quite a while with the physicality. I saw him struggling," said Tuchel.
England, the 1966 World Cup champions, will next travel to Atlanta for the semifinal against Argentina.
Read: Lionel Scaloni Downplays Argentina-England World Cup Semifinal Rivalry
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
World Cup: Thomas Tuchel Says England Were Lucky to Beat Norway
23 jam lalu
England secures a spot in the semifinals despite a lackluster performance, according to the national team's coach Thomas Tuchel.
World Cup Preview: England's Biggest Test Yet Is Stopping Erling Haaland
1 hari lalu
England face a tough 2026 World Cup quarterfinal test against Norway on Sunday, July 12, with one key question: how to stop Erling Haaland?
England's Declan Rice Provides Injury Update After World Cup Opening Win
25 hari lalu
England's Declan Rice has eased concerns over his fitness after limping off during the Three Lions' 4-2 victory over Croatia in World Cup opener.
England's Thomas Tuchel Replaces Injured Livramento With Chalobah to World Cup Squad
25 hari lalu
Head coach Thomas Tuchel called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to replace the injured Newcastle United player in England's World Cup squad.
Harry Maguire 'Shocked and Gutted' by England World Cup Squad Snub
51 hari lalu
The Manchester United defender said he was shocked and devastated by Tuchel's decision to omit him from the Three Lions squad.
Thomas Tuchel Names England Squad for 2026 World Cup
51 hari lalu
Tuchel aims to build a balanced 26-player squad with clear roles. Some big names will miss out on the World Cup.
