England took first step towards elite nations with France win, says Tuchel

England Manager Thomas Tuchel (left) gives instructions to winger Noni Madueke during the second-half hydration break in the World Cup football quarter-final match against Norway at Miami Stadium in Florida, United States, on July 11, 2026. Photo: AFP July 20, 2026 MIAMI, United States (AFP) — Thomas Tuchel said England had taken their first step in closing the gap on the top football nations after edging a 10-goal thriller against France to finish third at the 2026 tournament. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in an entertaining 6-4 win in the heat of Miami while France’s Kylian Mbappe became the leading scorer in World Cup history by netting twice. Tuchel spoke on the eve of the match about the pain of England’s 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, stressing the need to close the gap to the defending champions as well as France and Spain. The German, who has faced a torrent of criticism from the English media over his cautious tactics in the Argentina defeat, said England had made progress with their win against France. “We have the ability to close it but they have the ability to open it up again,” he told the BBC. “Eight years ago they [France] were the champions. Four years ago they were in the final. There is a slight gap, but no problem. We want to close it. “I said yesterday [Friday that] today [Saturday] is the first step to closing it. We did it. We beat them. The next one will be Spain in the Nations League. “To see a team fight like this gives you energy; the tiredness will come after. We will still feel the pain when tomorrow is the final. This will take a while, but overall it gives me more energy than it takes from me.” International News, Latest News, Sports EAST RUTHERFORD, United States (AFP) — Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game on Sunday as Spain beat 10-man Argentina 1-0 after extra-time to... Football, International News, Latest News, ... EAST RUTHERFORD, United States (AFP) — The World Cup final between Spain and 10-man Argentina went to extra-time on Sunday, with the teams locked at 0... Football, International News, Latest News, ... Hull City have reportedly entered negotiations to sign Leon Bailey from Aston Villa as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to th... International News, Latest News, Sports EAST RUTHERFORD, United States (AFP) — Defending champions Argentina and Spain were locked at 0-0 at half-time in the World Cup final on Sunday. The E... KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than 8,000 miles from home, Chrision McPherson and Shamar Brown are honing their hospitality skills while gaining firsthand e... Football, International News, Latest News, ... EAST RUTHERFORD, United States (AFP) — Lionel Messi's Argentina made three changes to their starting line-up for Sunday's World Cup final against Spa... Now in its second year, the Custos Commando Initiative: Centenarian Storytelling Series recently took place at the Bamboo Blu in Mammee Bay, St Ann. A... Entertainment, Latest News The final of the sixth Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC) takes place on July 25 in Snellville, Georgia. Eight Jamai... Facebook Twitter Instagram Polls Recent Posts Archives