Thomas Tuchel, the coach of the England national team, praised the fighting spirit shown by his players after the exciting 6-4 victory over France in the match for third place in the 2026 World Cup, stressing that the team overcame difficult physical conditions to finish the tournament in the best possible way.
Tuchel said in statements to the BBC Sport network: “We presented a wonderful first half, but things became more complicated in the second half. Fatigue was clear after the past weeks, so I have all my appreciation for the players for the character and mentality they showed in this match.”
He added: “I was worried about the physical aspect before the match, because the French team has great speed and quality, and they also had an extra day of rest compared to us, in addition to their trips being less tiring.”
The German coach explained that the conditions of the match increased its difficulty, saying: “We played in a hot climate and at a high altitude, so it was not surprising that cramps and fatigue appeared in the second half, but I did not I never doubt the mentality of the players, as they have proven once again that they are capable of overcoming the most difficult circumstances.”
Regarding the substitutions he made after the water break, he said: “I do not think we controlled the match more, but the entry of more active players gave us additional quality, at a time when the French team risked everything in search of a comeback.”
Tuchel praised Bukayo Saka, who shone in the match, and said: “He played an exceptional match and was a decisive element for us. I did not even know he had scored A hat-trick, because my focus was entirely on the course of the match, but he deserved all the praise.”
He also talked about the development of the English team compared to the major teams, adding: “The difference between us and the best teams has become less, but we have to continue working. France was world champions and reached the final in the last edition, but we are on the right path, and beating them represents an important step in this direction.”
He concluded his statements by saying: “Seeing this team fight until the end gives me great energy, and it is true that fatigue will appear Later, we will feel sad because the final will be held tomorrow without us, but what the players did makes me proud and gives me the motivation to continue.”