Red Card danger alerts Thomas Tuchel as he does not want World Cup bans to any players in his side come June.
No red card’ – Tuchel wary of World Cup bans.
Thomas Tuchel, the manager of England, has advised his players to steer clear of any unnecessary red cards that can result in a World Cup ban.
If Portugal qualifies automatically, Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the start of their World Cup campaign after receiving a red card during their Thursday loss to the Republic of Ireland.
On Sunday, England will play Albania to wrap up their qualifying campaign.
“No red cards please,” he said. “It is important. I’m aware of it and we will talk about it.”
With two games remaining, England qualified for the tournament the following year. They will take on Albania, who are assured a spot in the play-offs regardless of Sunday’s outcome.
When asked if he would rather risk losing the match than have a player sent off, Tuchel responded, “It is an extreme example.” England has a perfect record with seven victories out of seven in qualifying.
“If he goes in the last man example and if we can avoid it, no red card of course.
“I don’t want to make the subject too big speaking about it because then you have a cloud above you.
“Normally we are not at risk anyway, but if someone has a choice to make, don’t do it.”
Along with Spain, England has won every qualifying match without giving up a goal. If the two teams win their last games of the season and maintain a clean sheet, they will be the first countries in Europe to play at least six qualifiers and win them all without giving up a goal.
The Three Lions have scored 20 goals without receiving a response, but Tuchel stated that he hasn’t discussed the potential record with his players and that his main goal is to keep preparing for the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
“I didn’t speak a single word about that,” Tuchel said when asked if he was using the possible achievement as motivation going into England’s final qualifier.
“We need to get the foundation right to have a chance to have these records.
“Just by thinking about it or by talking about it, nothing will change.
“We need to deliver again. The feeling and the trust is absolutely there because I witnessed this in camp. I trust my players to perform again.”