Tuchel says England will raise level in World Cup knockouts
8 reported
England defeated Panama 2-0 at MetLife Stadium on Saturday to finish top of Group L and advance to the World Cup knockout stage. Manager Thomas Tuchel stated that the team will step up as the games become bigger. England will face Democratic Republic of Congo in a last-32 match in Atlanta on Wednesday. The victory followed a draw with Ghana and a win against Croatia in group play. Tuchel made five changes to the lineup, giving first starts of the tournament to Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Nico O’Reilly, Morgan Rogers, and Jarell Quansah. Panama registered 13 shots on goal and had a goal by José Fajardo ruled out by VAR for offside in injury time. Analysts Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Micah Richards expressed concerns about England’s performance and readiness for stronger opponents.
What’s reported
England beat Panama 2-0 to finish top of Group L.
Thomas Tuchel said: "The bigger the games get the bigger we'll be."
England will play Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 32 on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Tuchel made five changes for the match, giving first starts to Rashford, Saka, O’Reilly, Rogers, and Quansah.
Panama had 13 shots on goal and a goal disallowed by VAR for offside.
Gary Neville said England "have to improve" and need Declan Rice back and a more solid back four.
Roy Keane said: "I still don't think Tuchel has a clue what his best XI is."
Micah Richards said Panama had chances and that against better teams England "will get punished."
Key figures
Thomas Tuchel, England manager
Gary Neville, analyst for ITV
Roy Keane, analyst for ITV
Micah Richards, analyst for BBC
José Fajardo, Panama player
Marcus Rashford, England player
Bukayo Saka, England player
Nico O’Reilly, England player
Morgan Rogers, England player
Jarell Quansah, England player
Sources: Sky Sports
