Micah Richards has insisted that only one team stands between England and World Cup glory after the Three Lions' pulsating 3-2 win against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The former England defender believes France, who sit on the other side of the draw, represent the biggest obstacle to overcome.
England overcome adversity in Mexico win
England advanced to the quarter-finals despite a hostile atmosphere, unfavourable conditions, and a numerical disadvantage following Jarell Quansah's red card. Harry Kane's penalty proved the difference as England held on for victory, inflicting a rare defeat on the co-hosts at the iconic venue.
Thomas Tuchel's side will face Norway and Erling Haaland in Saturday's last-eight tie, with the winners likely to face holders Argentina. Despite those formidable tasks, Richards said: 'I think the only team that really worry me is France. They're so dynamic.'
Richards praises England spirit
Richards highlighted the determination shown by England: 'There was something in that performance, there was a spirit and a determination – that's what I liked so much about the performance today. It's going to be difficult but I liked the spirit today.'
France themselves showed different qualities in their ill-tempered win against Paraguay, but Richards is confident England have what it takes if they maintain that spirit.
Tuchel confident in squad's heart
After watching his squad overcome sizable odds, Tuchel is adamant he has the tools to mastermind a World Cup campaign ending in victory in New Jersey. He said: 'If a team has heart, if a team has belief, it is this team. And pure will. No words. An iconic match in an iconic stadium. We conquered so much adversity today.'
Tuchel praised the bench players and the team's refusal to give in: 'The guys from the bench were brilliant. I don't want to mention individual names. Everyone is exhausted and everyone knows it was a crazy match of football in a crazy atmosphere and we were up against all the odds.'
Tuchel criticizes added time
The German coach also made a complaint about the officiating: 'He said 11 minutes [of added time] then he gave another two corners in the 12th minute. Everything was against us and we refused to give in.'
Despite the win, Tuchel acknowledged areas for improvement: 'We can play a lot better. Lots of things we can do better. Still a disconnect from the best version of us, ball possession, finding spaces. But there's no disconnect in being committed and overcoming anything that is thrown at this team. I'm really proud.'
