Thomas Tuchel wants England to delight young fans in teatime clash

FootballSports
1 Jul 2026 • 4:52 PM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

DPA, founded in 1949, one of the world’s leading independent news agencies

Thomas Tuchel wants England to send the kids to bed happy with a World Cup knockout win, but warns their clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo might not be the best viewing.

A whole generation of young fans will be able to watch their first England match of the tournament as the last-32 contest in Atlanta kicks off at 5 pm UK time (1600 GMT).

Group games against Croatia and Ghana kicked off at 9 pm and Saturday’s win over Panama began at 10 pm.

Wednesday’s clash is a lot more favourable for those viewers with school the next day and Tuchel wants to please them, even if he thinks Congo may try to spoil a free-flowing game.

“We love to entertain them. Maybe we need to define entertainment,” Tuchel said. “We don’t know what’s coming.

“I don’t want to ruin expectations, of course. Not everyone wants to play exciting football and front-foot football.

“But it can also be entertaining if you feel the spirit and the energy of the team, and everyone who is allowed to watch tomorrow, because they have to go to bed early normally, hopefully they feel the spirit.

"Hopefully they feel how much it means to this team. I see it every day, I feel it every day, and hopefully we can transmit it through the TVs and make them proud and happy.”

England will be hoping it does not turn into a late night, but they may need extra-time and penalties.

And goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is prepared for any eventuality.

"You’ve got to be prepared for anything,” he said.

"Anything can happen and for us as England, we want to win in 90 minutes, but if it takes 120, if it takes penalties, we’re prepared.

"We’ve done all the training, and we’re ready for the game.”

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved