Thomas Tuchel insisted must not have an “inferiority complex” - but warned they must start playing with a smile on their face.

was searingly honest about the state of his England team as he admitted the squad has not clicked under his reign and they need to establish connections between the players. Three Lions boss Tuchel also admitted the form of and is a major concern because two of England’s most creative players have struggled at their respective clubs.

Despite all the issues, Tuchel said that the England players and coaching staff and insisted they had nothing to fear from Spain and Portugal. But Tuchel says it is time they all realised it.

Tuchel said: “The level would increase immediately if we were all together in Munich at the stadium and playing against Portugal or Spain. We will rise to the occasion because it is very difficult. This will come. It will bring out the very best in us.

“We shall not develop a complex because there is no need for it. Spain qualified for the final four with a very lucky win over the Netherlands. Everyone is beatable.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

“Spain play together in a fluidity and a rhythm which is outstanding and the highest level. It is one of the most difficult things to do, to play Spain in a final.

“But we have what it takes to compete. We need to improve, for sure. We need to improve in connections, in support, in interactions in the group. I feel we are too isolated on the pitch. We have not clicked yet. I don’t see it has clicked between the players.

“Like I said we train with a smile, we train very lively, we train with a lot of instructions. I feel the group in training and it comes easy, not easy, it is natural to them.

“We can be more exciting, which, I think, has been a bit of a problem for a long time. I feel we are a bit stuck, I feel like we are a bit serious. I see us train with a smile but not play with a smile. I think we need to get the balance right.”

Foden and Palmer are two of England’s biggest talents and yet both have had frustrating seasons. Foden’s form slipped so badly at he did not even make this squad to face Andorra and the friendly with Senegal at City Ground.

Palmer was substituted against Andorra on Saturday and has rarely produced his best for England when starting games. He was most impactful from the bench in last summer’s Euros. But his form also dropped mid-season for .

Tuchel said: “At the moment, I think that even Cole struggled lately at Chelsea to have an impact. Phil, unfortunately, struggled over many months now to have the impact that he can have.

“So, the question would always be: ‘Do we then invite them and create an atmosphere that he can still perform here?’ It’s difficult to prescribe freedom, to play with freedom and suddenly everyone plays with freedom.

“We haven't done that yet, but it's also not the moment to look only on the negative side. We have a lot of positives to take away in training and in the sessions I see a lot of it, and it will take a little bit to translate it to the pitch.”

Tuchel also questioned whether it comes down to pressure and the old chestnut of the England shirt weighing heavy on their shoulders. “I heard it many times, but what does it mean?” asked Tuchel. “Like a heavy shirt? Do we expect too much? Don't we feel the freedom?

“Do we not feel the same freedom to express ourselves that we feel like in the clubs? Does Phil feel free in his club, is he really free in his club to express himself? Not since many months, he also struggles there.

“I do feel we need to increase the rhythm. I still think that we can increase the rhythm in our game, like finding the right players that can play together.”

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our