On June 28, Beijing time (UTC+8), England defeated Panama 2-0 in the third round of the group stage at the FIFA World Cup. After the match, England manager Thomas Tuchel attended the press conference.

How do you assess today's team performance?

Tuchel: We played a difficult match. Anyone watching from the sideline saw the intensity of the physical battle. We faced a team that conceded no chances in their first two games. They were beaten on a counter in extra time against Ghana and against Croatia allowed only a 50-50 chance, with the opponent managing just two shots on goal. Today we scored two goals, won some 50-50 battles, and created further opportunities as the game progressed. We knew this would be a very physical match, we knew it would be difficult to control counters, and we knew they would play as underdogs. We understood all these circumstances. As a coach, I know what it takes to win these kinds of games. When these matches are tight and hard-fought, that's fine—it will help us in the next game. That's the state I'm in right now.

The outcome of major tournaments often depends on key players and important personalities. Bellingham and Harry Kane both made their mark today. What do you think of their performance and their impact?

Tuchel: Huge impact, of course, particularly in the second half. Huge impact. That's what we need, that's what we want, and that's why we selected them. They make us more dangerous and make us a top team, and that's why our expectations are high. Yes, that's it.

What's your impression of today's pitch?

Tuchel: It's a very fast pitch. The grass is very short, almost like artificial turf. Because the grass doesn't grow evenly and hasn't been completely leveled, you can see different layers of the grass surface structure. That significantly increases the pace of play, and the overall feeling is "bouncy"—the ball runs very actively and unpredictably, bouncing more.

This pitch is certainly playable, no problem there, but it's completely different from the pitch we used in Boston. There the grass is longer, the field softer, and play is slower. In contrast, here it's harder and faster, which makes the overall pace of play more direct and quicker, but it's still entirely playable, and nobody has complained.

What's the situation with Quansah's injury? And are you concerned about the right-back position?

Tuchel: An ankle sprain, a typical ankle sprain. He's in significant pain, and he said it's happened before and takes a couple of days to recover—hopefully the same this time. But it's too painful right now, so he's elevating, icing, and compressing his leg. Of course, I'm concerned about that position. We have another injury, so naturally I'm worried. But that's our job, and we'll find a solution in four days.

Do you feel at home with the atmosphere here?

Tuchel: Yes, it feels wonderful. The support is incredible—a sea of white behind the goal. The weather was also perfect for the match, warm with some rain. The connection between the fans and players in the final stages of the game was magnificent, a truly special moment. I encourage everyone to soak in this moment, because it's easy to get swept up in expectations—you feel you must win the group, you must win every game, but that's not reality. It's hard work that requires respect for the opponent and the nature of the game. Tonight was about feeling the energy and atmosphere. From tomorrow on, we prepare for the knockout stage.

Was Bellingham's position on the field adjusted today?

Tuchel: He played as a number 10 when we had possession. We had six players in the back line because the opposition played with a five-man defense. Without the ball, he operated as a midfielder against their two midfielders in a man-marking system. That's it.

How do you explain the performance difference between the first match and the two that followed?

Tuchel: That's football—it depends on the opponent. The first match was more open, more technical, more possession-based. In the two following matches, the opponents were very physical, played deep defense, countered, and used many players to block the flanks. So it requires significant effort to play offensively against these teams. That's good for us; it teaches us discipline, belief, and to keep trying. I know it's not as pretty, but I know what the team delivered. We found a way to win, and that's what matters most.

Do you believe Bellingham is now in the condition you want him to be? Have you managed his minutes through rotation to keep him motivated?

Tuchel: You'd have to ask Bellingham that yourself. He's in good shape following his recovery from injury. He's happy to play freely and can deliver intense performances. That's why we're managing his minutes now, keeping him around 60 to 70 minutes, because he couldn't sustain that intensity over recent months. He's a key player and needs this intensity. He loves the big stage. We'll support him, and at the same time we'll encourage other players to fight for positions.

What was Elliott Anderson's performance like? Was he affected by transfer rumors and uncertainty about his future?

Tuchel: I think it's very likely his situation will be clarified before the knockout stage. His performance was very impressive. He trains well and plays well. He's very young, but it's as if he's been here for a long time. He's been improving steadily since the match against Croatia. There are no injury concerns, and the medical team has confirmed he's available.

Regarding the question of whether his future must be decided before the knockout stage

Tuchel: Possibly, but we need to focus on the next match. If we start thinking about the knockout stage, we'll be punished. We have a difficult game in four days—not in Mexico, but in Atlanta. We need to concentrate on that.

Harry Kane has broken the record for most goals by an English player at the FIFA World Cup. What do you make of that? What did you tell him?

Tuchel: Everyone is happy for Harry Kane. He's a wonderful teammate, very special, and everyone respects him. I didn't even know about these records—you just told me. It's fitting that he's broken a record on such an important stage as the FIFA World Cup. He's currently in excellent physical and mental condition, and he's desperate to go all the way. He's not complacent, which reflects his character. That's why we're so glad he's the captain.

Would you give any advice to the German team?

Tuchel: If they don't need advice, then of course I won't offer any. Naturally, I'm following the FIFA World Cup and I'm watching the German team, but my heart and attention belong to the England team. No advice—they have a top coach and a top team; they'll solve their own problems.

Do you believe this team is better suited for the knockout rounds?

Tuchel: I do. But the first match itself was like a knockout game. Today also felt like one because of the points at stake. The players are used to these moments; they've played in the Champions League and Europa League through to the final stages. They know what it takes. We'll improve, no question. The key is to keep believing, to focus on what we can control, one step at a time. We're ready.

Übersetzt von KI.

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