Ahead of the UEFA Nations League match between England and Spain, Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, gave an interview to ITV reflecting on the World Cup final defeat and third-place finish. He also discussed Cole Palmer's absence, the call-up of Rio Ugochukwu, and Harry Kane's performances. This is the second part of the exclusive interview.

Part One of the Exclusive Interview

Thomas Tuchel: We must learn from the defeat and make changes in the next major tournament

But you said that when we faced Argentina, after going ahead 1-0, the team's mentality changed

The game changed. Our style of play changed. Our performance changed. I'm just giving one example. It seemed like we started playing with the mindset that "now we have something to lose." Maybe we felt that way because victory seemed within reach.

Sometimes, being one goal down makes it easier to commit fully to the game. That was the case with Argentina; they had nothing left to worry about. I'm not even sure if it's a psychological issue; it might just have been an incredibly intense game at that moment, and Argentina was willing to take risks.

When you look back now, what do you think?

Look back at what?

The entire World Cup. What do you think now?

I'm not looking back anymore. I may be moving forward and thinking about the future faster than others. Of course, we have reviewed that tournament because international football has its own dynamic: three months after a match or major tournament, you see the players again for the first time, but not the full squad—maybe only 50 to 60 percent of them. So there's always a sense of disconnection when reviewing.

We reviewed it. As I said, my feelings remain mixed and always will be. We can take many good things from it, but I still feel the objective was not fully achieved because we entered the tournament with the highest ambitions and built confidence in the team precisely because of that investment. The pain at the end was equally intense.

I think that experience put immense pressure on you and the entire England team. Do you feel stronger because of it, or do you see it as simply a difficult experience?

Both. It was genuinely difficult, but I've always believed that the challenges life gives you are challenges you can overcome; after you've been through them, you come out stronger. So everything has meaning. You need to stay calm, move through the experience, focus on your strengths and abilities, and progress one step at a time in one direction. In elite competition, that direction is forward.

Some have said Cole Palmer isn't here due to workload management. Can you explain the specific situation?

I'd say he's injured. He has a groin issue again. He's missed several training sessions, which is the main problem. We called him up multiple times, but this time he couldn't make it. That's it. I don't want to focus on players who aren't here, and I won't now. The players who are here will receive my full attention.

Are you disappointed that several key players couldn't join this training camp?

In my view, this camp is a continuation of our previous work and the existing squad. However, several important players who should be here are absent, and they have a role in maintaining the team's mentality and atmosphere.

I have no reason to doubt their injuries, and I have no reason to believe they're absent without valid cause, because I know what this team is like now and in the past. Yes, we're disappointed. But at the same time, this is reality. The players who are here want to be here, which is how it should be, and they will receive our full attention.

Why did you call up Rio Ugochukwu?

Why not? He's performed brilliantly when he joined us in the preparation camp. All four players are excellent, and Rio is one of the standout performers. He played at the end of last season, and now he's getting his opportunity. Although competition for his position at Liverpool FC is intense.

I think he has something very special. He's courageous, quick, plays with adventure, and is excellent at one-on-one defending. These are exactly what the team needs.

He's the youngest player you've called up for the national team since becoming England coach. What gives you confidence?

It's what I see with my own eyes. I see a player who's excellent in every aspect: confident, well-mannered, and personable. During the preparation camp, he's consistently eager to learn and is always learning. The ability he's displayed is of a very high level.

Is Harry Kane your choice for the Ballon d'Or?

Based on his performances this season, yes. He's scored over 70 goals, won three titles with FC Bayern Munich, and reached both the World Cup final and the Champions League final.

Has he improved over the past year? In which areas has he developed?

He's progressively improved. I think he's demonstrated greater physical strength in matches. He's highly committed to high pressing and is very willing to contribute in every aspect of the game: whether it's building play from the back, finishing chances, organizing in midfield, or contributing defensively. He's a very complete player.

Over the past year, many have noticed his developing leadership

Yes.

Did you notice this after he joined FC Bayern Munich?

Yes, everyone did. I think moving to FC Bayern Munich was an excellent decision for him. He needed to be recognized in his own country and also internationally. He had to work hard again for that, start a new experience, and join a club that values only winning—nothing else matters. This brings out his full potential.

He'll be 36 at the next World Cup

That's fine. Age is just a number. It doesn't matter. What matters is ability, and he still has a long career ahead of him.

Do you prefer players who go abroad?

If they go, I do. If they play for top clubs in major cities, I can still track them. No, I'm joking.

I also prefer it when they play in the Premier League because we can follow them more easily, get information from them, receive feedback from clubs, and it's more convenient to visit them. However, players going abroad is good for personal development and growth, which is an excellent step. That said, everyone must follow the path that's right for them.

Were you surprised by Anthony Gordon's transfer to FC Barcelona?

Yes, because I didn't know beforehand, and he didn't tell me. He said he received a good offer—actually two good offers. I could guess which club, but when the news came out, I was still surprised. The transfer was close to being officially announced by then.

I think he fits very well with FC Barcelona because their game is highly intense, and they prioritize playing in the opposition's half. I believe one of Anthony Gordon's main strengths is playing with high intensity.

What do you think when people say "maybe this England team only plays well at certain moments and hasn't yet developed its own distinctive style"?

It's very difficult for England to develop a distinctive style of play. I think if a style of play develops from grassroots football, it becomes embedded in the team. The appeal of the Premier League is that it brings together many of the world's best players and coaches from different countries who bring different styles of play. So it's difficult to define what an English style of play is.

However, the team's character can reflect itself in an unwillingness to surrender, decisive play, direct football, total commitment, and an eager approach. These are all distinctive characteristics. I think we showed many of these at the World Cup, and the players showed a lot of them too.

Is this the foundation for the next step?

Yes, absolutely. As I said, we have every reason to be confident in the process we've been through. We also understand clearly that in football, this process isn't a goal you complete and then stop. It's a process of continuous improvement and unrelenting development based on what already exists. That's what we're genuinely trying to do.

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