England manager Thomas Tuchel pulled no punches after his side's 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, insisting his team got fortunate despite advancing to the World Cup semi-finals. Jude Bellingham's two goals proved decisive after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Tuchel wasn't in celebratory mood.
"We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today," Tuchel said moments after the final whistle in Miami. He acknowledged the achievement of reaching the last four for only the fourth time in England's history, yet remained critical of how his players performed.
"The result is fantastic and the last four is amazing, but I'm not happy with the performance," he continued. Tuchel highlighted sloppiness, excessive caution and a lack of tempo in England's play throughout the match.
"The commitment is there, but we were lucky today," the German coach added bluntly. He didn't shy away from the fact that fortune played a role in the Three Lions' progression.
Bellingham, England's standout performer, seemed irked by his manager's measured assessment. The Real Madrid midfielder brushed off the criticism after 120 gruelling minutes in the searing Miami heat.
"Whatever. Whatever," Bellingham said when asked about Tuchel's comments.
He pointed out that every player on the pitch had given everything during the difficult encounter.
"It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift and all the players are putting in a tough shift," he told reporters.
The 21-year-old's appreciation went to his teammates rather than focusing on the manager's reservations.
England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday as they bid for a first World Cup final appearance in 60 years. Tuchel knows his squad must raise their level significantly to get there.
At the post-match press conference, Tuchel struck a more measured tone about his players' endeavours. He praised their effort, belief and ability to overcome adversity during the match.
"Full credit to the team, we found a way in the last four," he said. "This is of course the most important, but my analytical head still thinks we can and have played better football."
The match hinged on two major refereeing decisions that favoured England. Bellingham's opening goal stood despite Norway's protests that the ball had struck a suspended TV camera during the build-up.
Norway had a second-half goal disallowed following a VAR review after Erling Haaland was judged to have fouled an opponent before a corner was taken. Tuchel remained adamant that luck played a decisive role in the outcome.
"We were lucky. I stand with that," he reiterated firmly.
Tuchel argued that tournament football simply cannot be won without fortunate moments breaking a team's way.
"No one ever denies that you need luck to go far in tournament football," Tuchel explained. "I see no harm in admitting it.
It's just the way I felt."
Yet Tuchel reserved special praise for Bellingham, whose performance dragged England through to the next round. The midfielder had once again stepped up when his country needed him most.
