Pickford vows England will 'go to war' for Tuchel ahead of DR Congo World Cup clash

Jordan Pickford has declared England’s squad is ready to “go to war” for Thomas Tuchel as they prepare to face DR Congo in the World Cup last-32 on Wednesday, with the goalkeeper crediting the German coach’s motivational approach for a renewed sense of belief within the camp.

England arrive in the knockout stages having secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey, and with their sights firmly set on ending a trophy drought stretching back to 1966.

“Belief, togetherness. I think we have had that previously, but I think the manager’s got that belief in us,” Pickford said. “The meetings the manager has with us, it is like you are ready to go to war. He puts that belief in you. There is different meetings he has tactically, and it is like ‘yeah, it is go time’.”

Pickford, a veteran of the squads that reached consecutive European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate, also spoke about his own personal development, revealing he continues to work with a psychologist to sharpen his focus during critical moments.

“It is a lot of growth I am working on and being the best version of myself,” he said. “We have got targets, who I am working with, and it is about being the best version of me and where that can take me.”

DR Congo advanced to the last-32 as one of the best third-placed teams following their win over Uzbekistan on Saturday, and Pickford was careful not to underestimate the challenge. “We know Congo is a tough nation,” he acknowledged.

While Pickford’s penalty-saving record could prove decisive if the tie extends beyond 90 minutes, the Everton goalkeeper stressed the squad’s collective resolve to settle matters in normal time.

“We want to win the game in 90 minutes, but we will be ready as a team, as a group, as England to do what it takes to get the victory,” he said. “If it goes to penalties, extra-time, we have got the ability, we have got the lads to come off the bench — our togetherness is at a high level and that is what we are here to do.”