Five months after the announcement his appointment, Thomas Tuchel takes the England reigns for the first time on Friday night, Wembley playing host to the Three Lions opening World Cup qualifier against Albania.

"I felt tension and pressure on the shoulders of the players," Tuchel said on Thursday. "They were more afraid."

Tuchel believes it is unfair to burden himself and his players with issues outside football at the World Cup and said they should be allowed to "make the best" of what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity without being "punished" for their views on issues outside the game.

For the fans who grimaced their way through England's run to the Euro 2024 final, new head coach Thomas Tuchel's pledge on Thursday that his team will focus on the joy of winning and not the fear of losing will be music to their ears.

Gab & Juls speak about Thomas Tuchel ahead of his first game as England manager.