Tuchel points out errors in England’s performance despite win over Norway
By Joel Masibo, July 12, 2026England manager Thomas Tuchel was not a hundred per cent pleased by how the Three Lions performed against Norway despite stealing the three points to advance in the FIFA World Cup semifinals on Sunday, July 12, 2026, thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham.
His players battled back to defeat Norway 2-1 and book a place in the next round.
Speaking after the match, Tuchel admitted his team still has room for improvement.
“The head of mine is not fully satisfied. I think we can play faster and be more clinical. We had too many unforced errors and technical mistakes that cost us a lot of belief,” he said.
“I think he struggled quite a while with the physicality of the match. I could see him struggling,” Tuchel he added.
Fighting spirit
Nonetheless, Tuchel praised his side for the fighting spirit that ensured they got through the line despite struggling against Norway.
“In my heart, there’s no doubt I’m proud and happy,” Tuchel said during the post-match press conference. “I feel so connected to this team because they just do whatever it takes to take the next step. They just refuse to lose.”
England recovered from falling behind, with Bellingham leveling the score deep into first-half stoppage time before striking again in the opening stages of extra time to seal the comeback victory.
Tuchel also dismissed any concerns about England’s dependence on Bellingham and skipper Harry Kane to deliver decisive moments.
“There’s nothing wrong with it,” he said. “We don’t need to be sorry for the fact that these two guys play for us and decide the matches for us. It’s impressive.”
The quarterfinal was filled with drama, including multiple Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews. Norway thought they had regained the lead in the 55th minute through Torbjorn Heggem, only for the effort to be ruled out after officials judged Erling Haaland had committed a foul in the build-up. England also saw a late penalty award overturned after VAR reviewed an incident involving Djed Spence.
Haaland struggles
Norway’s impressive World Cup campaign came to an end with the defeat. Haaland, who led the line for the Scandinavian side, was substituted with 15 minutes left in extra time after appearing to struggle physically.
The 1966 World Cup winners will now travel to Atlanta for their semifinal clash, with Tuchel confident his players will be fully prepared.
“Everyone is ready to attack the last eight days of the tournament,” Tuchel said. “The next three days are crucial for recovery. This victory will help a lot. We have a top facility and we will be ready.”