England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s spirit after a 2-1 victory over Norway secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, but he insisted their overall gameplay must improve.
Midfielder Jude Bellingham rescued England by scoring both goals after the team fell behind. Following the match, Bellingham defended the squad's effort against criticism regarding their performance, stating all players put in a "tough shift".
Tuchel agreed with his star player's assessment of their work ethic, commending the squad's belief and ability to overcome adversity. However, the German coach remained critical of their tactical execution.
"I'm impressed with the shift that they put in... but I'm also a football coach, and I think we can play better," Tuchel said, noting that it was not a high-level game overall.
England's tournament success has relied heavily on Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, who have collectively scored 12 of the team's 13 goals. While Tuchel emphasised the need to improve attacking strategies to bring other players into position, he praised his leading duo. He noted that they are decisive top players who thrive on responsibility, showing up in crucial moments to efficiently win matches.
Despite reaching the final four, Tuchel’s message is clear: determination alone is not enough, and England must elevate their footballing standards to win the tournament.
