Thomas Tuchel has declared that he is not scared by any opponent at the World Cup and is confident England can compete with any team. Speaking ahead of Saturday's crucial Group L match against Panama in New Jersey, Tuchel dismissed concerns after his side's goalless draw with Ghana and stressed that nothing he has seen so far suggests any team is unstoppable.
Tuchel: 'I'm not scared' of World Cup rivals
“I’m not scared in general,” Tuchel said. “We feel confident enough to be ready and compete on any level. I haven’t seen that much football, to be honest, because the times were always quite early and we’re on the training pitch.” He added that he has seen good teams and high-quality individual players but remains focused on what England can control.
England need at least a draw against Panama to secure top spot in Group L, but a defeat could see them finish second if Ghana beat Croatia heavily. Panama are already eliminated after losing their first two matches. Tuchel acknowledged the challenge posed by Panama's low block but is not worried about physical tactics aimed at Jude Bellingham.
“No fear,” Tuchel said. “I didn’t think about this yet. I think sometimes it fuels Jude. He accepts that these moments come and he’s happily engaging in it, because it brings out the edge in him that he needs sometimes.”
Injury concerns and squad rotation
Reece James has been ruled out for at least two games due to hamstring tightness, with Ezri Konsa expected to fill in at right-back. Declan Rice is also a fitness concern, potentially opening the door for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford could start on the wings, while Tuchel may rest Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane if the group is already decided.
Tuchel laughed off criticism that his squad lacked creativity after the stalemate with Ghana, pointing out that other top teams have also had draws. “Spain had a draw. Brazil had their draw. Portugal had their draw,” he said, noting that Ghana's appointment of Carlos Queiroz in April made them a tough opponent. “I have a bit of respect for what we’re playing here, and then we need to trust also our players. It helps no one if we question now.”
Group L standings and knockout implications
England currently lead Group L with four points from two games, ahead of Ghana on goal difference. Croatia have three points, while Panama are bottom with zero. A win against Panama would guarantee top spot, while a draw would require Ghana to drop points against Croatia. If England finish first, they will face a third-placed team in Atlanta with four days to prepare.
Tuchel emphasised that the team remains calm and focused on their own performance. “We focus on what we can influence,” he said, reiterating that England are ready for any challenge.
