Thomas Tuchel has expressed satisfaction with England's build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, reflecting on their final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica — though the manager made clear he expects the squad to reach a higher gear once the tournament begins.

Speaking ahead of the World Cup, Tuchel appeared in good spirits, acknowledging the work done during the preparation phase while insisting that the real test still lies ahead. His message to the squad was unambiguous: the preparation has been solid, but the next level is what is now required.

England head into the tournament having used their pre-competition matches to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion, with the clash against Costa Rica serving as the last opportunity to assess the group before competitive football begins. Tuchel suggested he came away from that exercise with confidence in what his side have built.

Yet the German coach was equally eager to signal that satisfaction with preparation does not mean complacency heading into the World Cup itself. Expectations are high for England, and Tuchel appears determined to channel the momentum of a positive camp into performances that matter on the biggest stage in football.