Tuchel has pointed to England’s previous setbacks as part of the team’s education. The report says he referenced a documentary about Rafael Nadal, using the tennis great’s injuries, doubts and major losses to underline the demands of elite sport.
“Se você quer ganhar um grande prêmio, não existe caminho fácil para chegar lá,” Tuchel said.
That mindset matters for a side carrying considerable expectation. England have been close to major tournament success in recent years, but knockout football rarely rewards reputation alone. The challenge against DR Congo will demand patience, emotional control and the ability to respond if the match becomes uncomfortable.
Tuchel reportedly believes experienced figures such as Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, John Stones and Jordan Henderson can help guide the squad through those moments.
The penalty focus is rooted in a personal scar. Tuchel recalled his first cup final with Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich, when he concentrated so heavily on normal time that he failed to prepare properly for a shootout.
“Quando o apito soou, eu simplesmente não estava preparado,” he said.
That experience appears to have shaped his approach with England. Rather than leaving decisions to the final whistle, the coaching staff has reportedly established a process for identifying penalty-takers and rehearsing the wider routine.
Shootouts remain an unpredictable test, but preparation can remove some of the chaos. Players must know their roles, accept responsibility and trust the work completed before the pressure peaks.
“Nós treinamos isso. Temos um processo estabelecido, então estamos preparados,” Tuchel said.
The next storyline will be whether England’s past lessons and penalty planning translate into composure against DR Congo - and whether a squad chasing the World Cup can turn preparation into progress.