THOMAS TUCHEL told England fans not to worry after landing a nasty Group L draw against Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
The Three Lions boss will be “confident and well prepared” when the tournament kicks off in North America after Friday night’s World Cup draw.
Winning the group would leave Tuchel’s men with a tough path to the finals – including co-hosts Mexico on their own turf before a mouthwatering potential quarter-final against Brazil.
Tuchel said: “Difficult group with Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations. We don’t worry about what can happen or our opponents.
“Panama, I don’t know much about them but we will find out about it before the tournament.
“It always seems difficult like our group now but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.
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“I will be excited to play in Mexico City, because I remember the World Cup there, and then I watched it as a teenager, and it was just like watching something from Mars or from another galaxy.”
England’s opening game is against Croatia, who beat them in a 2018 World Cup semi-final, on June 17.
Tuchel added: “Nobody should be underestimated. Croatia is the standout, they’re the highest ranked team from pot two.
“Ghana is always full of talent and can surprise and has a big history in World Cup football.
“Panama will try to make the most in their underdog role. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect and we can show that.”
After Croatia, England face Ghana — who have Prem stars Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus in their squad — on June 23 before Panama in their final group game four days later.
If England win Group L they face a last-32 game against a third-place side before a potential red-hot last-16 clash in capital Mexico City.
Brazil are likely to await in the quarter-final, with a possible semi-final against defending champions Argentina.
European champions Spain and France are on the other side of the draw — meaning Tuchel’s men would not play them until the final.
England captain Harry Kane said: “There are some tough groups. But it’s an exciting draw.
“It’s going to be a massive tournament and can’t wait to see all the England fans out in massive numbers supporting us like you always do.”
England legend Alan Shearer had his say on the World Cup draw, telling Betfair: “It’s a decent draw for England, it could have been tougher, it could have been easier.
“The route, if things go as planned… which never happens, is a tough one. It’s a big if, things have to go to plan for England and other teams for the route to the final that people are talking about,.
“But if that is the case then it is a tough draw from the quarter-finals onwards.
“But overall, I think the draw is decent, I wouldn’t go overboard and say it’s a brilliant draw.
“It’s a tough opener against Croatia, having played them so many times, but ultimately, we have to be confident that we can get through.
“It would be pretty bad if we didn’t get through to the knockouts, but having seen the draw, I’m absolutely confident that England will get through.”
Scotland landed a nostalgic draw with two of their opponents from the 1998 World Cup — the last time they played at the tournament — in Brazil and Morocco, plus a Group C opener against minnows Haiti.
Wales or Northern Ireland would be pooled with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland if they win their two play-off matches.
And Republic of Ireland will face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they make it through their play-offs.
Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa — in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener.
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