Thomas Tuchel believes England can only get better after sealing top spot in Group L and has backed his side to “step up” for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
After the goalless draw against Ghana, England struggled to break down Panama and began the second half behind Croatia in the standings. But goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane – whose header made him England’s highest World Cup scorer – secured a 2-0 win and ensured they will travel to Atlanta for a last-32 tie against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday.
Tuchel is confident England can play much better than they did against Ghana and Panama and stressed the importance of building confidence among his squad.
“These players are used to these moments – they play Champions League and Europa League to the end,” the head coach said. “They know what it takes. We will step up. The bigger the games get, the bigger we will get.
“There is no problem growing into a tournament like this. We have strong belief and trust in each other. It is important we keep believing in what we can influence and what we can improve. The most important thing is not to be afraid and be brave.”
There was concern for England when Jarell Quansah had to be replaced in the second half after needing treatment for an ankle problem, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender having come in for the injured Reece James. “It was a classic ankle twist and he is in pain,” Tuchel said. “He said he’s had it before and it was a matter of days. Now he hopes for the same. He has his leg up high and in ice.”
Tuchel, asked whether was worried about the team’s depleted numbers at full-back, said: “Naturally. Of course we have another injury in the position. It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah but it is our job to find solutions and we will do that.”
Bellingham, who provided the assist for Kane’s second-half header, is also confident England will improve. “We came here to do it in sections and we got through the pre-games well and we achieved the first job: we got through the group and won it,” he told ITV. “We know what level we are at and what we want to achieve and we did in the second half. Every day we have to try to improve and it’s up to us to do that.”
Kane matched Gary Lineker’s previous record of 10 World Cup goals in the opening game against Croatia and surpassed his mark here despite a quiet first half when England were again frustrated by obdurate opponents.
“Harry is in an amazing state of mind and he is hungry to go all the way in this World Cup,” Tuchel said. “We are lucky to have him as captain.”
Kane has reached 70 goals for club and country this season but is thirsty for more. “It’s another proud one to reach,” he said. “Let’s hope it’s not the last instalment. It was a solid performance against a tricky side. We would have liked to see out the game a little bit easier but overall it was a good win.”