As England prepares for their friendly match against Senegal at Nottingham's City Ground, head coach Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the importance of playing with a smile. Following a lackluster 1-0 victory over Andorra, Tuchel expressed his desire for the team to embrace a more liberated and enjoyable style of play.

Tuchel, who took the reins as England manager in January, noted that while training sessions have been filled with positivity and enthusiasm, the same energy has not yet translated onto the pitch during matches. He stated, "We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group," highlighting the need for better teamwork and cohesion among the players.

Ahead of the friendly, Tuchel called for clear communication regarding the players' roles and responsibilities, encouraging them to shake off any pressure associated with wearing the national team jersey. He believes that focusing on the principles of the game will allow the players to express themselves more freely and confidently.

After the Senegal match, many of the squad will head to the United States for the upcoming Club World Cup, which Tuchel acknowledges will impact player recovery time. Despite this, he reassured that the players are eager to compete and are not concerned about benching themselves for the tournament.

With Tuchel at the helm, England aims to enhance their performance as they look to build momentum ahead of future competitive fixtures. The friendly against Senegal will serve as an opportunity for the team to implement Tuchel's philosophy and showcase their skills in a more relaxed atmosphere.