Thomas Tuchel criticised England’s lack of intensity and focus during their uninspiring 1-0 victory over lowly Andorra on Saturday, warning that such complacency could cost them in more serious contests.
Despite maintaining a perfect record in World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel, England were far from convincing at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Ranked 173rd in the world, Andorra made life difficult for the Three Lions, who relied on a simple 50th-minute finish from Harry Kane to avoid a shocking result.
The tepid performance was met with boos from frustrated England fans at full-time, and Tuchel did not hold back in his post-match assessment.
While pleased with the team’s opening spell, he took issue with their apparent drop in intensity during the latter stages.
“I didn’t like the attitude how we ended the game,” Tuchel said bluntly.
“I liked the attitude how we started the game, the first 25 minutes, but I didn’t like the last 25 minutes, the last half an hour.
“I think we lacked the seriousness and the urgency that is needed in a World Cup qualifier.
“We played with fire and I didn’t like the attitude in the end. I didn’t like the body language and I think it was not what the occasion needed.”
Although England sit atop Group K and are on course to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Tuchel knows performances must improve if they are to make an impression on the global stage.
The German tactician admitted relief at securing the win, but was visibly concerned about the team’s fading energy and lack of drive, particularly after taking the lead.
“In the end we played with fire, honestly. I felt it almost like in a cup game where the favourite does not smell the danger,” he observed.
“I didn’t feel a team that is aware it’s only 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier because we were not happy with ourselves.
“I’m not blaming them. I even feel like they felt ‘OK, we’re not happy and this is stuck today, it will not happen today’.
“Step by step the energy dropped. We needed exactly the opposite but we couldn’t deliver and so we got away with a win.”
Tuchel had previously acknowledged the toll a demanding club season had taken on his squad, with several players set to travel for the Club World Cup after Tuesday’s friendly against Senegal.
Nevertheless, he expects a much more spirited effort at the City Ground in Nottingham.
“We will not stop to encourage them and make clear after we have a proper look at the match what we want from them,” he said.
Supporters made their feelings known throughout the match, with their displeasure growing as England’s performance dipped.
Tuchel sympathised with the fans, especially those who voiced discontent during the uninspired contest that resembled a training session more than a competitive fixture.
“The booing is OK,” Tuchel acknowledged..
“They were underwhelmed and not happy with our performance, especially how we ended the first half, so I don’t think we can blame them for that.
“We cannot even blame them how we ended the match. In the opposite. I thought they were fantastic throughout the whole match.”
When asked about chants targeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Tuchel distanced himself from any political controversy.
“I did not hear anything about what you said about abusive songs or chants (about the Prime Minister), so if it happens of course it’s not acceptable but I didn’t hear it.”
As England head into their next fixture, Tuchel will be looking for his team to channel frustration into a statement performance that reflects the expectations surrounding a squad with ambitions of going far next year.
