Thomas Tuchel describes England as 'eager' as they prepare to face familiar opponents in challenging World Cup draw

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has expressed optimism and ambition as his squad prepares for next summers World Cup, emphasizing their hunger and determination despite a demanding draw. England has been placed in Group L, facing Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

Tuchel noted that, while the group stage presents familiar adversaries, England's path to the title will require navigating difficult knockout matches. Should they finish as group leaders, their round-of-32 opponent will be a third-placed team, followed potentially by a clash with co-host Mexico in Mexico City, and possibly Brazil in the quarter-finals.

We focus on ourselves and arrive with hunger and excitement, Tuchel said. We dont worry about who we face. Anything can happen, and our attention is on what we can control.

Englands opening match will be against Croatia in Toronto or Dallas on June 17, offering a chance for revenge after their 2-1 semi-final loss to the 2018 finalists. They will then face Ghana in Toronto or Boston, a match shadowed by the ongoing legal issues of former midfielder Thomas Partey. Their final group game against Panama in Philadelphia or New Jersey recalls Englands 6-1 victory in 2018, highlighted by Harry Kanes hat-trick.

Scotland, returning to the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years, will start their campaign against Haiti before matches with Morocco and Brazil.

The expanded 48-team tournament, set in North America with challenging summer heat, poses unique logistical obstacles. Tuchel remarked that England will adjust as necessary, even considering keeping substitutes indoors to manage extreme conditions. He encouraged his squad to remain focused and brave in pursuing the trophy.

FIFAs new seeding system offers England a strategic advantage, preventing potential encounters with Spain or Argentina until the semi-finals, and France until the final, if all advance. Tuchel, appointed in autumn 2024, has the mission of securing Englands second World Cup star, adding to their 1966 triumph.

The full World Cup draw also revealed the potential journeys of other home nations. Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland will compete in March play-offs for places in Groups A and B alongside Canada, Mexico, and Qatar.

Englands Group L schedule:

• June 17: vs Croatia Toronto or Dallas
• June 23: vs Ghana Boston or Toronto
• June 27: vs Panama Philadelphia or New Jersey

Scotlands Group C schedule:

• June 13: vs Haiti Boston or New Jersey
• June 19: vs Morocco Boston or Philadelphia
• June 24: vs Brazil Atlanta or Miami

The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, with Canada and the USA hosting subsequent opening matches. The final will be held in New Jersey on July 19, marking the first World Cup hosted by three nations and the first since 2002 to involve multiple countries.

Tuchel stressed the importance of mental readiness and team unity over concern about opponents, concluding that England must be brave enough to dream and focus on what lies within their control.

Author: Ava Mitchell