⌂ Home News Tuchel Manages Saka's Fitness Ahead of Costa Rica Friendly

Tuchel Manages Saka's Fitness Ahead of Costa Rica Friendly

Tuchel Manages Saka's Fitness Ahead of Costa Rica Friendly
Bukayo Saka in England training session
A A Text Size16px

Tuchel expressed hope that the squad would navigate the remaining warm-up schedule without sustaining any further fitness setbacks.

"Hopefully we all stay healthy and have the full availability for Croatia," he said.

The squad reported no fresh physical complaints following their opening warm-up game in Tampa.

"No-one needs a break. Everyone is available which is very good news," Tuchel said.

>>> Max Verstappen: Fatherhood Doesn't Change Calculated F1 Risks

Tuchel Downplays Favorites Tag

Addressing tournament expectations, Tuchel downplayed the notion that England should be considered the outright frontrunners to win the trophy.

"I strongly believe we are there, but I also believe we are not the favourites because of the history.

We see ourselves as competitors and challengers," Tuchel said.

He drew a parallel with long droughts at major sporting events to describe England's competitive position.

"Maybe it's the wrong comparison, but if you go to Wimbledon and haven't won it for 60 years, you're not the favourites - but you can win it, of course," Tuchel said.

Tuchel emphasized that internal focus remains paramount to achieving success in North America.

"If we want to reach the top of the mountain, we need to start the journey step by step.

Otherwise, we'll get distracted," he said.

The manager concluded by highlighting the necessity of balancing ambitions with a structured work ethic.

"I have belief. We all have belief and a dream.

But it comes with hard work, responsibility, commitment and discipline - and sometimes disappointment," Tuchel said.

Tuchel also thanked the Football Association for shielding the team from off-field geopolitical issues.

"I'm grateful to the FA for letting me separate politics and football and talk about just football because we need to be focused," he said.

>>> Mika Godts Market Value Drops as Ajax Faces Transfer Revenue Hurdles

The England squad will play a final closed-doors training match against Miami FC following the Costa Rica fixture before traveling to their tournament base in Kansas City on Saturday.

J
Editors Team
Author: Johan Robert
📰 Latest Updates