​England boss Thomas Tuchel spoke to the media ahead of the Three Lions’ quarter-final against Norway in Miami, emphasizing the need to embrace identity, bravery, and forward momentum. “This is now the exciting part, but we must let go. We have to connect to our identity, to what makes us strong, stay on the front foot, and be brave. It’s the quarter-final, and the brave will have luck on their side. We cannot have any regrets when we play a quarter-final. We have to go for it. This is the most important thing.”
Tuchel’s England have endured a tumultuous pair of knockout ties, beginning with a dramatic late double from Harry Kane to edge DR Congo, followed by a pulsating 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca. Reflecting on those matches, Tuchel said, “In general, what it takes in the round of 32 and the round of 16 is simply to find a way to win. That’s how we framed it with the team. If you need a reference from the Premier League, think January: Sunderland, FA Cup. It means going away to Sunderland, then away to Leeds. You go. It’s adversity. The weather isn’t ideal. Sometimes you don’t agree with a referee’s decisions. Everything feels difficult. The team must be on the front foot.”
His message to the squad was clear: you just have to get it done. “If you want to be at Wembley in the end, you have to deliver. Don’t exit in January or February. Nobody will question how you did it after you’ve achieved the goal. Then the exciting times begin. April, then May—things can get easier, and with that ease comes identity, and you must learn to let go.”
Tuchel also addressed the enduring “It’s coming home” chorus, acknowledging the significance of the chant while urging perspective. “I understand it, and we’d like to make it happen. This is the motherland of football. Wembley is the cathedral of world football. That’s why it should be coming home. But we still have steps to take—we cannot get carried away.”
The quarter-final is scheduled for a 10pm BST kickoff and will be shown live on ITV1 in the United Kingdom, with Tuchel hopeful that England can translate their knockout-stage resilience into a strong performance in Miami as they chase a path toward Wembley and a potential deep run in the tournament. This match presents a crucial test of character and cohesion for a side that has already shown grit under pressure, and Tuchel’s message remains: embrace the identity, stay brave, and seize the moment.