Tuchel says World Cup opener will bring out England’s best against Croatia

Thomas Tuchel says the pressure of England’s World Cup opener against Croatia should bring out the best in his team, as his first tournament match in charge comes with selection uncertainty and a late squad change.

The match, on June 17, is being treated as a proper test rather than a warm-up. Tuchel said England should not approach it like a friendly and wants his side to play with the intensity of Premier League teams. He described the occasion and tension of tournament football as something that can lift his players.

Tuchel's message

Tuchel has spent the build-up insisting England are ready. The team acclimatised in Florida and trained in Kansas City before heading into the opener.

He also pointed to the pressure of the stage as a positive rather than a burden, saying the expectation around a World Cup opener can help bring out England’s best.

Lineup questions

There is still uncertainty around the starting XI. Tuchel is expected to start Jude Bellingham at No. 10, while Bukayo Saka’s fitness remains unclear.

If Saka is not available, Noni Madueke could come into the side.

Separate reporting on the eve of the game said Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury and Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as his replacement.

Croatia threat

Croatia arrive with tournament pedigree and an experienced core that England know well. Tuchel highlighted Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic as players who can hurt his side.

England and Croatia also share recent World Cup history. Croatia beat England in the 2018 semifinal, a result that still shapes the rivalry.

Tuchel has also said England plan a closed-door match after the Croatia fixture to keep nonstarters sharp before the next group game against Ghana.

England’s opener will provide the first major read on how Tuchel’s team handles tournament pressure, and whether the pre-match uncertainty translates into a stronger performance or a difficult start.