Following England’s dramatic victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, manager Thomas Tuchel lauded the team’s mental strength. Tuchel emphasized that the win wasn’t solely attributed to skillful play, but significantly to the players' resilience. He highlighted the team’s ability to persevere under pressure as a key factor in overcoming the challenge posed by RD Kongo. The match was described as particularly tense, making England’s victory even more commendable. Tuchel’s comments suggest a growing confidence in the team’s psychological preparedness for high-stakes tournaments. This win demonstrates England’s capabilities extend beyond technical skill, positioning them as strong contenders in the ongoing competition.