Tuchel: 'We kept knocking to crack that rock'

Thomas Tuchel believes England’s energy and team spirit helped them stage a stunning second-half comeback against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

The Three Lions left it late in Atlanta, after slipping behind to an early goal from Congo’s Brian Cipenga and then struggling to break through a resolute defence.

But when Harry Kane nodded England back level in the 75th minute, the skipper went one better ten minutes later by smashing home a winning goal with a wonderful strike.

And Tuchel admits that the game didn’t necessarily go as he would’ve liked after conceding so early on to give their opponents something to hold onto.

“If everyone gets what they like, everyone gets an early goal and then another goal and then an easy afternoon but that's not how it is,” he said.

“You have to deal with the situations as they come. It got very difficult because they got a very early goal but I have to say after the first water break, there were three, four, five big chances and I think a penalty in our favour.

“We kept knocking to crack that rock. The ‘keeper made unbelievable saves but the reaction and belief was one of a kind. They were ready to keep doing what was necessary to do and we found a way to win, well deserved.

“Of course, we want it to be easier but if you come back from 1-0 down, you need the last quarter to be strong and again we win the second half.

“These are also the experiences that give you genuine belief. Now that they have felt it, they did a circle after the match together, they have the reward in front of our fans.

“They are well aware of what they did and what it took today. They are team that is fully committed and full of belief.”

As for Kane’s exploits, Tuchel was asked about the importance of his captain to how this summer will play out for England.

“It's what we expect from him,” he said.

“I think it’s what he expects from himself. Difficult matches, close matches, Harry is here to decide them.”

The victory means England will now progress into the Round of 16, where they will face joint tournament hosts Mexico at the famous Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Monday 6 July (1am BST).

And Tuchel believes the belief his squad can take from this game as the Three Lions progress further into the knockout stages can only help them ahead of what will be another difficult game.

“The energy and the team spirit is the highest level,” he added.

“Everyone fully understands what part of the tournament we are in and what it takes. If you can see the level of support of the players coming on the pitch but also from the players who are not selected, who don't even get minutes, they keep pushing.

“You see their faces, they are positive in the water breaks. Everyone feels very comfortable when he plays, everyone feels comfortable when he is selected to finish the match because of the atmosphere the team provides.”