The England manager faces his first big match since taking over from Gareth Southgate in January as his team take on Albania at London's Wembley Stadium on Friday (21.03.25) and kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign - and Tuchel has admitted the players needed to change their mindset after losing to Spain in UEFA Euro 2024 final.

During a press conference on Thursday (20.03.25), Tuchel said: "I've heard a lot that it's a heavy shirt. It is in fact not. But I know what the players mean.

"Watching the Euros I felt tension and pressure on the shoulders of the players and they were playing not to lose.

"I want us to play with excitement and the hunger and desire to win ... and the acceptance of failure is part of it, especially in football."

It comes as England captain Harry Kane admitted the team now has to start winning trophies after a series of near-misses.

During an appearance on BBC Radio 5 live, Kane said: "We have been extremely close to being two-time European champions.

"We have been as successful as any other team for England for the last 15 years, but ultimately you are going to be judged on whether you win finals or not.

"Early on in Gareth's reign we spoke about getting to semi-finals, getting to finals, and keep repeating that.

"We are kind of at that stage now and now it's about winning something."

England's game against Albania kicks off at 19.45 GMT. The team will take on Latvia on Monday (24.03.25).