Tuchel: England can compete with world´s best after Nations League final

Thomas Tuchel remains confident that England can compete with the very best in international football after watching the Nations League final on Sunday.

Portugal lifted their second title with a penalty shootout victory over defending champions Spain, with Diogo Costa proving to be the hero for Roberto Martinez’s side.

Martin Zubimendi had his opening goal cancelled out by Nuno Mendes before Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s advantage on the stroke of half-time with a fine finish.

Portugal hauled themselves level once again through Cristiano Ronaldo’s 138th goal for his country, with spot-kicks deciding who would be crowned champions.

After three perfect penalties from each team, Mendes picked out the top corner before Alvaro Morata had his penalty saved by Costa, allowing Ruben Neves to seal the win.

Ahead of facing Senegal in a friendly on Tuesday, Tuchel and his players sat down to watch that game and itted those sides have set the benchmark for his squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

“It was a high level in the final,” said Tuchel. “High-quality football. The first 45 minutes were excellent. Then I could see the players get tired and the level drop a little bit.

“Portugal won. Congratulations to Roberto [Martinez] and his team. They have another title. We hope to compete in the final four next time.

“That’s the standard, that’s the benchmark. We will try to hunt that, to reach that, and I’m convinced we have everything it takes to match that when we play these teams. Even if it didn’t look like that on Saturday between 6pm and 8pm!

“In general, I’m convinced we have what it takes to compete on that level.”