In this video
- Asked if he worries some players no longer put England first, the England manager said no. After the summer, he would be surprised if any lacked the biggest desire to be in camp.
- Asked if Trent Alexander-Arnold might start against Spain, the manager said he will not tell. Alexander-Arnold is up for the competition and will get a chance to take back the shirt.
- Asked if possession gives Spain the advantage, the manager said he thinks it does, against everyone. What you have to admire now is how they defend, and creating chances against them is so difficult.
- Asked why Cole Palmer withdrew, the manager said he understands Palmer cannot compete at the highest level with discomfort and pain. He does not blame him, but Palmer misses way too many camps.
- Asked if he favours the new international model, the manager said no. He thinks another long period after a long tournament is very demanding, and two days between games, twice, is too condensed.
“…it's not a preparation tournament in our minds.”
- Asked what approach he wants against Spain, the manager said he sees no value in copying Spain and thinking the copy can be better than the original. England still study their defending.
- Asked about Anthony Gordon saying England should maybe lean into traditional English values, the manager said he thinks England already do. He agrees with Gordon on leaning into their strengths.
Thomas Tuchel explains how England’s football identity differs from Spain as the Three Lions prepare to face the reigning European and world champions at Wembley in the UEFA Nations League.
Tuchel rejects the idea that England should simply copy Spain’s possession-based approach, arguing that “the copy” is unlikely to be better than the original. Instead, he wants England to build around their own strengths, including direct football, physicality, carrying the ball, set pieces and an aggressive high press.
The England boss also highlights Spain’s work without the ball, praising their defensive organisation, patience and ability to force opponents into wide areas before pressing.
He accepts England may have periods where they need to defend deeper and suffer without possession, but wants his side to recognise the right moments to press and attack.
After an impressive victory over France, England now face another major test against Spain as Tuchel looks to develop a more complete style ahead of the Nations League campaign and EURO 2028.
