England’s Tuchel says big nations take World Cup ‘for granted’

England’s manager Thomas Tuchel feels big nations take World Cup qualifications for granted. The Three Lions continued their rich form in the World Cup qualifiers, registering a 2-0 win against Serbia at Wembley on Thursday.

Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze found the back of the net for the home team to give them a comprehensive win.

England had confirmed their place in the next year’s FIFA World Cup after they had comprehensively beaten Latvia by 2-0 in Riga.

“I don’t think it is special to this country, I think the big nations take it for granted to be in the big tournaments until they are not,” Tuchel said. “This of course happens. For me, it is very important that the players know from me and they get encouraged in what they are doing and they see it in the proof, whether we show them videos or the data, that they feel the appreciation from the coach and the fans.

“The work-rate and the effort the team puts in at the moment into any match, be it a friendly match against Wales or today a match that has no impact anymore if we qualify or not, that is the outstanding criteria and characteristic of the team and I am very, very happy with it.

“That everyone expects it, that also includes us. I also expect us to qualify. I demand it from myself. But if you make it, it can be seen as normal, but that’s just the nature of it.”

England had failed to make it to the World Cup in 2008. Thomas Tuchel’s team will next play Albania on Sunday.