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England head coach Tuchel oversaw a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, his team winning all their eight matches without conceding a goal.<\/p>\n
Speaking to BBC Sport following the draw, the German said: “Difficult group, difficult opener. Croatia and Ghana [are] two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations. Panama I don’t know much about at the moment, but we will before the tournament starts.<\/p>\n
“For me, I’ve only experienced group football in Champions League formats and the way to approach it was to always give it the biggest respect and to put all the focus into winning the group. It always seems difficult, like our group now, but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.”<\/p>\n
Croatia were the highest-ranked nation England could have drawn from pot two, and they are the side England lost out to in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.<\/p>\n
In the group stage at that same tournament, England defeated Panama 6-1.<\/p>\n
“Nobody should be underestimated. Of course Croatia is the standout nation but Ghana is always full of talent, can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football,” Tuchel said. <\/p>\n
“Panama will try to make the most of their underdog role. No-one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n