Which upcoming match does Tuchel see as the next step in closing the gap?

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The Nations League match against Spain is identified as the next step in closing the gap.

Thomas Tuchel views the upcoming Nations League fixture against Spain as the subsequent opportunity for England to further bridge the divide with elite footballing nations. This perspective follows England's third-place finish in the 2026 tournament, secured by a 6-4 victory over France. During that match, forward Bukayo Saka netted a hat-trick, while France's Kylian Mbappe achieved a historic milestone by becoming the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with two goals.
Closing the Gap with Elite Nations

Tuchel articulated that England's performance and subsequent win against France represented tangible progress in narrowing the gap between themselves and the world's top teams. He acknowledged the ongoing challenge, stating that while England possesses the capability to close this divide, their opponents also have the means to re-establish it. This sentiment was reinforced by the team's ability to compete and secure a victory in a high-scoring encounter.
Acknowledging Past Setbacks and Future Opportunities

The German coach reflected on England's 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, highlighting the necessity for the team to overcome the established dominance of nations like Argentina, France, and Spain. He emphasized that the victory over France was a crucial first step in this ongoing process of development and improvement. The team's resilience and fighting spirit in the face of adversity were noted as sources of energy and motivation.
Historical Context and Tournament Performance

England's third-place finish came after a tournament where they demonstrated significant progress. The team's ability to score six goals against a strong French side underscored their offensive capabilities. The context of France's own successful tournament history, having been champions eight years prior and finalists four years before that, further emphasizes the significance of England's achievement in defeating them.

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Which upcoming match does Tuchel see as the next step in closing the gap?

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