Thomas Tuchel shows where his Germany World Cup loyalties lie after England win

England progressed to the last-32 of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night thanks to Jude Bellingham’s heroics at the New York/New Jersey Stadium

Thomas Tuchel’s nationality found itself in the spotlight just minutes after England secured its place in the World Cup knockout stages.

The Three Lions beat Panama 2-0 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium thanks to a spectacular performance from Jude Bellingham. The 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder scored before setting up Harry Kane to ensure England finished top of Group L.

It was a much-welcomed two goals after three goalless halves of football in the World Cup. But like England, Germany has also progressed to the last-32 of the tournament.

With wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, Germany had already qualified for the knockout stages. But a defeat against Ecuador in its final game would have ended things on a slightly sour note.

In his post-match press conference, Tuchel was asked about his loyalties to home country, Germany.

“I follow the German team, of course, but my focus and my heart beats for the England national team in this World Cup, so that’s where my focus is.

“They have a top coach and a top team. They find solutions for themselves.”

Naturally, Tuchel’s nationality was grilled when he first got the job. But the 52-year-old played down that it had any real impact.

“The biggest con is I don’t have an English passport but that’s maybe it,” Tuchel said. “That was clear from the beginning, I love to be the England coach and I was never shy about that.

“I have huge affection for the country and for the people in the country and the way they approach football and sports in general.”

Tuchel previously managed in England, guiding Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021. When taking the England job he said reuniting with English players was a huge factor.

“I fell in love with the country and the Premier League,” he explained.

“That was a dream, to work there.

“Now to have the chance to work with these kind of players is an amazing opportunity and I am very grateful for it. “No one wants it more than me.”

Tuchel also discussed his team’s opponent, Panama, sharing similarities in how their low block frustrated his England side like Ghana.

“Not bad,” he said when assessing his own team’s performance. “We saw a team who didn’t allow any chances in the first two matches. They conceded a 95th-minute counter attack against Ghana.

“They conceded from a half chance against Croatia with two shots on target. There is no problem if these matches feel tight and tough, it will help us in the next match.”Follow Daily Mirror: