Thomas Tuchel has urged fans to maintain their belief in England’s prospects as the team prepares to enter the knockout stages of the World Cup. Following their progression into the last 32, England is set to face DR Congo on Wednesday, a fixture Tuchel believes marks the start of a new chapter for the tournament.

England’s group stage performance was mixed, with victories over Croatia and Panama but a draw against Ghana. Tuchel acknowledged the team's unconvincing form but expressed confidence that they would elevate their play as the competition moves into the higher-pressure knockout rounds. “Wins. Wins! I’d take any win,” Tuchel said when asked about his expectations. He emphasized the distinct dynamic that knockout football brings and confirmed the squad would be preparing intensively in the days leading up to the match.

The upcoming opponent, DR Congo, currently holds the 41st position in the FIFA rankings. Tuchel noted that the expanded 48-team format of this World Cup introduces fresh challenges and the possibility of more difficult matchups. Nevertheless, he suggested that England has avoided a particularly daunting draw at this stage, leaving room for optimism among supporters.

Tuchel also addressed ongoing squad management, indicating he will continue to adjust the starting lineup as the tournament progresses. England’s performances so far, aside from the second half against Croatia, have lacked consistency, prompting the coach to seek the optimal combination of players. “I know my starting 15. And from there I build and I see the energy on the training pitch and I see what the output is from match to match. And then we see what the opponent brings and how we need to react,” Tuchel explained, highlighting a flexible approach shaped by both player form and tactical needs.

With the knockout phase imminent, Tuchel’s focus remains on fine-tuning the team and harnessing the squad’s depth to navigate the demands of a longer tournament format. England’s next game against DR Congo will serve as an early test of their readiness to advance further on football’s global stage.