Tuchel preps England for 'strange' Croatia clash
England faces Croatia in the UEFA Nations League behind closed doors on Sunday (AEST), and Thomas Tuchel is wary of a pre-season vibe creeping in to his squad.
England bounced back from its defeat to Spain with a 2-0 victory over Czechia last time out, leaving it second in Group A3.
The match is being played mostly behind closed doors because crowd disturbances involving Croatia fans during a UEFA Nations League match against France in March 2025. There is an exception for schoolchildren, plus 100 travelling England supporters.
"To be behind closed doors, it's never nice. It's a strange atmosphere," Tuchel said.
"Everyone would love the atmosphere in the stadium – a proper football crowd which would be very, very different. This is a part we have to take into consideration.
"We cannot switch off and be in holiday mood. It might feel a bit like pre-season but it's not. It's a crucial match in the [UEFA] Nations League.
"We expect a difficult match against a big football nation and a proud country – a side full of quality. A mix of young and experienced players with a young coach.
"Everyone will be ready to give all for the new coach."
Much of the limelight during the international break has been taken away by Manchester City, which was found guilty of all the serious charges that were brought against it in 2023 by the Premier League.
While the potential sanctions have not been revealed, with City also appealing the decision made by an independent commission, relegation is not off the table.
With City stars Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson in the England squad, Tuchel insisted he would not be opposed to selecting players if they were playing in a lower division.
"There is always a possibility," the England boss said.
"I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, occasion, the tournament. I will never rule out that because they don't play in the top flight in their country.
"We need to look at it case by case."
