England head coach Thomas Tuchel says the team “never accepted defeat” during its match against DR Congo, describing the performance as resilient despite a difficult beginning. According to Tuchel, there are signs the squad did not crumble under the weight of expectations, even after an early setback against the 46th-ranked side. The outlets report that Tuchel views England’s recovery as a key factor in securing the result, with his comments focusing on the team’s mindset and ability to respond under pressure.

Both sources characterise Tuchel’s remarks as reflecting on how England handled adversity during the game, rather than attributing the outcome to any single moment. While they differ slightly in wording—one highlights “never accepted defeat,” and the other calls the win “beautiful”—they converge on the same core point: England maintained belief and composure after a poor start and ultimately earned a victory over DR Congo.