Thomas Tuchel has admitted that England “just got lucky” in their quarter-final victory against Norway this evening.
The England boss did not shy away from criticism for his side in a post-match interview with ITV, expressing his disappointment in their performance.
Now, the Three Lions boss has expanded on those feelings, speaking after the clash, and that dissatisfaction is still present.
‘We just got lucky, we HAVE to play better’ – Thomas Tuchel holds harsh feelings for England, despite 2-1 win vs Norway
Jude Bellingham was the hero this evening, scoring two for his nation and sealing a comeback victory — now the second youngest player after Pele to score a brace in back-to-back knockout games at the World Cup.
Tuchel has expanded on his immediate criticism post-match, which Bellingham did not take kindly to from the England boss.
The manager said: “No one disputes [that it was hot outside]. I was impressed with the team spirit, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win. Top credit for that. But I am also a football coach, and I think we can play better.
“The analysing head and the football coach in me thinks we can and have to play better football. I think we just got lucky in decisive moments.
“I don’t think we are lucky to win, but lucky in decisive moments. We could have been 2-0 down. No one ever denies that you need luck in tournament football. I see no harm in admitting it. That’s the way I felt today,” continued Tuchel.
The England boss had high praise for his side’s 23-year-old hero, describing Bellingham’s performance as “world-class” from an individual who “produces in big moments.”
Tuchel also expressed praise for the youngster’s partner-in-crime, Harry Kane, noting that their game plan has “simple” in creating opportunities almost exclusively through that partnership, but attacking performances in general must improve.
The 52-year-old also acknowledged England’s controversially allowed opening goal versus Norway, which arguably should have been chalked off due to television cable interference with the ball.
Tuchel said: “I heard that, but there’s a chip in the ball and it can tell you if a hair can touch it, as you know from the Croatia-Portugal game. I was not aware.”
He also commented on the bizarre late-stage substitution of Erling Haaland, noting that he saw the Norwegian striker getting visibly exhausted and “struggling with the physicality of the match.”
The England boss concluded with high praise for his side, but re-affirmed his initial criticism.
“In my heart there is no doubt that I am proud and happy because the team does whatever it takes. They overcome obstacles and adversity, but I am also a football coach and I also have demands.
“We want to have a top performance because a top performance helps you win games.
My head is not fully satisfied. I think we can play faster, I think we can play more clinical. We had too many mistakes… [but] there is no disconnect with the team.
“I am fully in love with my players and my team,” finished Tuchel.