FIFA World Cup

Tuchel Embraces Pressure as England Face DR Congo Test

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epa13076573 England's national soccer team head coach Thomas Tuchel speaks during a press conference in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30 June 2026. England will face Congo DR on 01 July in a FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match. EPA/RONALD WITTEK

England head coach Thomas Tuchel says his side must embrace the pressure of expectation as they prepare for their World Cup Round of 32 clash against DR Congo.

The Three Lions will look to book their place in the last 16 when they take on DR Congo at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The winner of this fixture is set to take on Mexico in the last 16 when they meet at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City on July 6.

Tuchel acknowledged England’s status as favourites but stressed the importance of respecting their opponents, highlighting the tight margins seen throughout the knockout stage.

“I feel it is a privilege to be in these situations. I think we can just accept it, we are the favourites (against DR Congo),” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“We play against our own expectations, we expect from us to go further than round of 32, that’s just how it is, so why would our fans not expect it? Why would the public opinion not be the same?

“We expect from us what we expect, but we respect the opponent, we know about their quality.

“The games so far in round of 32 speak a very clear language. It’s narrow, narrow margins. It makes me personally more calm than it makes me more nervous because that’s just what it is.”