Thomas Tuchel gives ITV presenter Laura Woods huge hug after England top World Cup group with win vs Panama

ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel celebrated a crucial victory over Panama by sharing a hug with ITV presenter Laura Woods. Tuchel, 52, led the Three Lions to a 2-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey following Jude Bellingham’s opener and Harry Kane’s historic goal. That win sealed first place in Group L and a Last 32 encounter against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday. The German tactician then gave his usual post-match interview with World Cup television rights holders ITV. After a quick chat with Woods, 38, the ex-Chelsea boss ended things with a nice embrace. But before the hug, Tuchel said: “We did what was needed. It was a tough match. It was difficult to score. We were the only team to score twice against them. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP “We were aggressive and careful with the counter attacks – we deserved to win but it was a hard piece of work. “It’s an aggressive approach that we take. You have to defend your one-on-ones. But the tournament starts again now in knockouts. “Now we collect our strength and energy. We build our team spirit and belief. We will step up, the bigger the games get the bigger we’ll be.” Tuchel also praised Kane’s record goal that made him England’s highest ever World Cup scorer after beating Gary Lineker’s return of 10. Most read in Football WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS The ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss told Woods: “It’s good. But not the end.” Then Tuchel addressed England’s latest injury blow as Jarell Quansah hobbled off with an ankle problem that left his team with a severe shortage at right-back. The former Borussia Dortmund manager said: “Jarell, I don’t know, had to go off injured so we need to see. “But three days in the next, and then next match in four days is not a problem. We love that, and we’re good at that.” World Cup 2026 - all the info LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! This year’s World Cup is like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize. England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought. But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance. SunSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament LATEST NEWS - England team news vs Panama ‘leaked’ as Tuchel makes popular change - Scotland World Cup hopes STILL alive – but they need these results - Mehdi Taremi in blistering attack on Fifa and reveals Infantino encounter - Cape Verde will face Argentina in World Cup knockouts - Manuel Ugarte stretchered off as Uruguay go OUT of tournament KEY INFO - World Cup 2026 full match schedule including kick-off times - World Cup 2026 full squads - World Cup 2026 rule changes - World Cup 2026 prize money VIDEO - Proper Football Daily: Get all the expert analysis each morning - Team Talk – Tactics Exposed: Dive into the tactical talking points TIPS AND BETTING If you click a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.