England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged his players to embrace courage and adopt an attacking mindset in their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway. "We need to let go, we need to connect to our identity, connect to what makes us strong, be on the front foot and be brave," Tuchel stated ahead of the match in Miami.
He emphasized the importance of playing without regrets in such a high-stakes game, noting that bravery often aligns with good fortune. Tuchel dismissed the notion that Norway, who eliminated Brazil, perceive themselves as underdogs, acknowledging their strength and ability to challenge any team.
"They have over-performed but I think internally they know very well how good they are," Tuchel said. "They know very well how many problems they can cause to any team. They proved it. They eliminated a big nation on a big stage and from then on, there is no such thing as favourites."
Tuchel also revealed his lack of understanding regarding FIFA's decision to extend a two-match ban for defender Jarell Quansah. The manager stated he has received no explanation from the governing body concerning the extended suspension, which followed his criticism of the World Cup's refereeing standards after Quansah received a red card in the previous match against Mexico.
Following England's dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, which involved a VAR-reviewed penalty and a red card for Quansah, Tuchel had openly criticized the officiating. "It’s not good enough. It’s just erratic, it’s just unreliable in matches," he had commented. Despite concerns over player fitness after the demanding match in Mexico, Tuchel has focused the team on the upcoming challenge.
"The Azteca and a match like that really was the full package of an experience," Tuchel reflected. "We just had to find a way. That was how we framed it with the team." He stressed the need to move past the previous victory, drawing a line under the Mexico game to concentrate solely on Norway. "It is no more Mexico. It is only about Norway," he asserted.
Tuchel believes the World Cup provides a platform for the team to inspire dreams and excitement among fans, and England aims to take the next step in the competition. The team was given 48 hours of rest after their win in Mexico before returning to training.
