England manager Thomas Tuchel has claimed that the team struggled to live up to expectations at Euro 2024 because they played with a “fear” of losing and lacked the “hunger” to win.
The Three Lions, under Gareth Southgate, lost 2-1 in the final to Spain.
The team faced constant criticism for their uninspiring performances in a tournament where they were favourites to win.
When asked in a press conference on Thursday about an interview he gave to ITV, in which he suggested that England could not cope with the pressure at the Euros and that their performances suffered as a result, Tuchel reiterated his stance.
“It was just my feeling. It was my feedback, and first of all, it was my impression while watching on TV—long, long before I even knew I might be in charge,” Tuchel said.
“That was my feeling. I think it’s a pretty clear statement, and I don’t know how to put it in other words. I think it has to be the other way around.
“I want us to play with excitement, hunger, and the desire to win, and to enjoy winning.”
Tuchel will take charge of his first game when England host Albania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.