England manager Thomas Tuchel has praised his players for showing character and resilience after overcoming a difficult first-half display against Croatia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.
The Three Lions entered the tournament carrying huge expectations, but for long periods of the opening half, Croatia succeeded in disrupting England’s rhythm and forcing Tuchel’s side into a cautious approach.
England struggled to move the ball with conviction, often choosing the safer option rather than playing through Croatia’s defensive lines.
The lack of intensity both on and off the ball allowed the 2018 World Cup finalists to remain competitive and frustrate one of the tournament favourites.
However, the second half told a different story.
England emerged with greater urgency, aggression and confidence, winning more individual battles and taking control of key moments in the game.
The improvement was evident not only in possession but also in their willingness to compete physically and emotionally.
Tuchel admitted the opening stages were far from ideal but was encouraged by the way his players responded when the pressure increased.
“Good reaction, the first half was a bit complicated for us. It was a bit nervy. The decisions we took, we chose to go safe and go backwards. We struggled to find any rhythm and didn’t have the confidence to go through the gaps.
“I saw a statistic of 33% of ground duels won in the first half and 73% in the second, so even off the ball was not good enough, not committed enough. I loved the reaction of the players in the second half. It was emotional; there were a lot of emotions involved. It took us a while to get going.”
The dramatic improvement in duel success highlighted England’s growing control of the contest.
While the first half saw them lose key battles across the pitch, the second half reflected a team playing with greater purpose and determination.
Tuchel’s comments also underline the emotional challenge of opening a World Cup campaign. Tournament football often brings pressure unlike any other competition, particularly for a nation carrying expectations of challenging for the title.
Despite the early nerves, England’s ability to recover and impose themselves on the game will provide encouragement ahead of their remaining group fixtures.
The German coach has repeatedly stressed the importance of mentality throughout the tournament, and this match offered an early test of his squad’s character.
For England, the result was important. For Tuchel, the reaction may have been even more valuable.
If the Three Lions can build on the intensity and confidence shown after the break, they will remain one of the leading contenders to make a deep run at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The performance was not perfect, but England left with momentum — and perhaps more importantly, proof that they can respond when the pressure rises.
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