Thomas Tuchel says he is impatient for his England side to learn his ways ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The German’s third game in charge ended in a 1-0 win over Andorra to maintain the Three Lions’ perfect start to World Cup qualifying, but it was an underwhelming performance.
Having gone so close at three major tournaments under Gareth Southgate, there is added expectation and pressure under Tuchel to finally win silverware, with all eyes on next summer’s competition in the US.
But there is still clearly plenty of work to do for the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss, who admitted he is hoping to see progress quickly from his players.
Ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Senegal, he said: “I’m very impatient, which is not always a good thing. I’m always impatient because you step out into a stadium even if the fixture is not always that exciting, after a season fighting for titles, Champions Leaue places.
“But for me personally once I step into a good statium, see the grass, see 7,000 supporters, I’m expecting something from myself and the players.
“It will be to see tomorrow, I am impatient and I want to do better. We are thinking of giving the players a little more freedom within the structure. I still think it was a very offensive structure and line-up to break the defence down.
We’re live from St. George’s Park where Thomas Tuchel – followed by Bukayo Saka – will speak ahead of tomorrow’s game against Senegal! 🎙️ https://t.co/1PT2M91Vqj
— England (@England) June 9, 2025
“Tomorrow we face a strong and physically demanding team, but at first we might not be so offensive but give the players more freedom to express themselves. Maybe on Tuesday we will see the next step.”
Tuchel was quizzed on his start to life in charge of the national team and admitted he would have preferred a more prolific opening.
He added: “I’m not sure, I think I would have preferred the other way, but in the end we have kept three clean sheets and won three matches [in his first three games in charge].
“There is no reason to only look at the negative side of things. After the game we were critical which is maybe a good thing to improve.
“It’s a learning at the moment. Today will be our 11th training session together, the same as one-and-a-half weeks in club football.
“We need to worship training and every minutes in matches. Of course we learn stuff. It’s good to see players in tight situations and in moments when things are not easy.”
The skipper strikes vs Andorra 🦁
© @HKane pic.twitter.com/A4yUpg9tRB
— England (@England) June 8, 2025
Demanding and intense
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was sat alongside Tuchel for the pre-match press duties and had a smirk on his face after being asked if he was heading on holiday after Tuesday’s game.
The winger will not be participating in the Club World Cup and instead can relax, but not before getting a run out for the Three Lions.
On Tuchel and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, he added: “I don’t really like to compare, if I’m honest. One person’s qualities is always going to be overshadowed.
“So if I just speak about Thomas himself, since I have come into the camp he has been quite demanding, quite intense on the pitch and off the pitch he’s been more relaxed.
“He’s a nice guy, he let us enjoy ourselves and created a nice environment for all the players to enjoy.”
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