THOMAS TUCHEL has claimed that England lacked “hunger” and “identity” at the European Championship last summer.
The Three Lions reached the Euro 2024 final in July but failed to impress performance-wise throughout the tournament, leaving many fans disappointed.
Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager in the days that followed, putting an end to his eight-year spell at the helm.
The 54-year-old was eventually replaced by Tuchel in October, although the German did not officially start his new role until January.
Now, ahead of his first match in charge, Tuchel has given his damning verdict on England’s recent form.
Asked by ITV Sport if England had a clear playing style during Euro 2024 last summer, the former Chelsea boss responded: “Not last summer, no.”
Probed on what was lacking, he continued: “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns.
“The freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger.
“They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win.”
Tuchel was then asked what the missing piece was, to which he responded: “Excitement.
“The view that people feel that the team’s to beat. That we arrive with a group to beat.
“That we know already when we arrive, once we qualified, everyone knows this is the team to beat.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6370153596112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Tuchel faces his first test with England on Friday.
The Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania at Wembley Stadium.
They then host Latvia on Monday.
[boxout headline=”The human tuch” featured-image=”33854682″ intro=”ENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.”]Tuchel, 51, made a couple of curve-ball selections, including a recall for Jordan Henderson that has sparked fan outrage.
Dave Kidd explains why Henderson’s return signposts how Tuchel plans to win the World Cup.
And we have a go at working at how his England XI could line up against Albania at Wembley.