Tuchel says World Cup will ‘bring out the best’ in England against old foes Croatia

• Manager confident match will showcase side’s abilities

• ‘We should play brave and to the strengths of the players’

Thomas Tuchel has said the occasion and tension will bring the best out of England when they open their World Cup campaign with an ­awkward game against Croatia on Wednesday.

England cruised through ­qualifying, but have a patchy record against top opposition and much to prove before their first encounter in Group L. They have faced top-20 sides on three occasions under Tuchel, drawing with Uruguay and losing to Japan and Senegal.

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