England’s manager Thomas Tuchel reckons early exits of world-class teams like Germany and Netherlands can help them stay calm and not to over-expect while facing Congo DR on Wednesday.
England had topped their group after wins against Croatia and Panama. However, the Three Lions had played a goalless draw against Ghana.
Meanwhile, Germany was stunned by Paraguay in the round of 32 on penalties whereas Netherlands were beaten by Morocco, once again in the shootout.
England are strong favourites in Atlanta to progress to the last 16 but they would not want to take anything for granted, given the recent results in the quadrennial event.
Asked whether the high-profile losses in the round of 32 were a warning to England, Tuchel said on Tuesday: “It is the nature of knockout football. The match between Netherlands and Morocco sounds like a quarter or a semifinal, and Brazil against Japan is for sure worth a quarterfinal of any tournament because of the quality of the two teams.
“What it shows to me… Canada found a winner in stoppage time [against South Africa], Morocco equalised in stoppage time then it went all the way. Germany went all the way to penalties.
“I think it can calm us down in a way. It is just narrow margins. It is tight football matches and it helps us not to over-expect and put it in the right framework, what has happened in this World Cup.
“Teams are well drilled, teams defend on the highest level, teams are well prepared and it is difficult for any team to break teams down, especially when you arrive as favourite and face teams with nothing to lose. For me, it helps us to calm our minds, accept the situation and make the most of it.”
Tuchel added that they will focus on themselves and they will try to follow a humble approach while playing against Congo DR. Earlier in the tournament, Congo DR played a 1-1 draw against Portugal in the group stage.
“Our opponent will play in the role of underdog, which is always the easier role,” Tuchel said.
“But we accept this, and we know how to handle it. Nothing changes for us. We will have a humble approach. We will have an approach where we focus on us and we put it in the right perspective.
“It doesn’t matter what the FIFA rankings says tomorrow or what FIFA think the game should be. We will answer the question the game demands, while the game is being played and for that we need freedom, a proper mindset, we need to be calm and be ready to perform. I think we are.”
England would look to come up with a collective effort.
