Thomas Tuchel says England ‘set the tone’ after wrapping up World Cup preparations

England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed excitement after his team’s dominant 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, the final match before the World Cup. The game, delayed by an hour due to a thunderstorm, featured goals from Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon, and substitute Ollie Watkins, showcasing England’s adaptability and intensity. Tuchel highlighted the team’s cohesion and energy, stating the performance set the tone for the tournament. ‘The tension will come naturally,’ he said, emphasizing the players’ readiness to handle pressure. The manager also praised the group’s professionalism during the delay, noting they remained focused despite the disrupted schedule. England will conclude preparations with a behind-closed-doors friendly against Miami FC on Thursday before traveling to their World Cup base in Kansas City on Saturday. The team’s Florida training camp, which included a 1-0 win over New Zealand, has focused on building momentum ahead of their Group L opener against Croatia on Wednesday. Tuchel described the Orlando match as a turning point, shifting from pre-season preparation to tournament readiness. ‘We set the tone today,’ he said, stressing the importance of maintaining the team’s brotherhood and connection with fans. The storm delay, he added, served as a useful reminder of the need for flexibility during the competition. The Three Lions will now enjoy a day off before departing for Kansas, where they will finalize preparations for their World Cup campaign. Tuchel’s first international tournament as England manager begins with high expectations following their Euro 2024 runner-up finish.