England manager Thomas Tuchel has pointed to the shock early exits of Germany and Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a timely reminder that no team — however decorated — is guaranteed safe passage through the tournament.

Tuchel argued that the eliminations of two of world football's most storied nations should help England keep their feet on the ground and avoid placing excessive pressure on themselves ahead of their upcoming clash with Congo DR.

"It can calm our minds," Tuchel said. "We should not over-expect."

The exits of Germany and Netherlands sent shockwaves through the competition, underscoring the increasingly competitive nature of the modern World Cup, where traditional powerhouses can no longer count on their reputations to carry them through.

Tuchel, who previously managed both Germany and a host of elite club sides, will be acutely aware of how dangerous complacency can be at the highest level. His message to the England squad appears to be one of measured focus — respect the occasion, but do not be paralysed by expectation.

England's match against Congo DR now takes on added significance, with the broader tournament landscape already reshaped by the departures of some of the competition's most fancied sides.