Tuchel keen to ‘play with excitement’ as England prepare for new era

Thomas Tuchel says he is keen for his England side to “play with excitement” as he prepares for his first match in charge of the Three Lions.

The nation will be watching Wembley Stadium as the Euro 2024 runners-up welcome Albania on Friday night.

Four days later, the Three Lions will host Latvia in the same arena.

And ahead of the games, Tuchel was alongside Harry Kane speaking to the media as the anticipation of the match continues to grow.

Fans have watched England come so close under Gareth Southgate, and the new German boss believes the reason they never got over the line is because the team were scared to lose.

Now, he wants to lead a reset across the squad and build things from scratch in a different mentality.

He said: “I want us to play with the excitement, hunger and the joy to win. The acceptance of failure is a part of it.

“They reminded me in the first lunch together and in the first training session why I was so excited about the job.

Join us live from @SpursOfficial’s training ground to hear from Thomas Tuchel, followed by captain @HKane, ahead of tomorrow’s game against Albania 🎙️ https://t.co/QBg52lhfjV

— England (@England) March 20, 2025

“It is because of them. They were outstanding in the way they behaved and how they interacted as a group. On the pitch they were amazing, we had high-quality and very sharp training sessions.

“Everyone was open to giving their very best, good energy, good atmosphere.

“I have felt the excitement in the camp. There is a buzz for the first match tomorrow. I have to make people believe in me.

“I think offensively we try implement out style, structure and rhythm. Put players into positions where they feel comfortable and express themselves, hopefully to their full potential.

“In modern football and the quality of the opponent, Albania, and the respect you have to give every opponent, especially off the ball it is necessary we stay open to adapt.

“Be it in structure-wise or in the line-up and do what is needed. I don’t think we can be ignorant and say we do what we want and we do what we do and everyone else will adapt to us. this will happen but everyone will try to find a solution against us and that is why we want to adapt off the ball.

“I want an emotional and hungry team. We need to respect the quality of the Premier League and should reflect it.”

Wembley is regarded as the home of football and it is expected to be full for both of Tuchel’s games in March.

Making our way down south ahead of tomorrow’s game at @WembleyStadium! 🧳 pic.twitter.com/mU4nFOk0FK

— England (@England) March 20, 2025

The former Chelsea boss admitted he is nervous, which is perfectly normal, but he is excited to feel the energy inside the stadium.

He added: “I just hope so much they can see what I see on a daily basis. What i saw over the last few days was amazing and was just a joy to watch and to be part of it.

“So hopefully we can transport this energy and this hunger into the game tomorrow.

“It is amazing, we have a full Wembley. It is very exciting. A bit nervous I guess but that is part of it.

“I am always a bit nervous before matches so this one won’t be different. Hopefully we can prove the point and take the first step.”