Thomas Tuchel admits he's under pressure after Spain defeat... but insists he cannot listen to pleas from club coaches to rest England stars

Thomas Tuchel admits he is under pressure following England’s defeat by Spain at Wembley on Saturday.

Tuchel’s team face Czechia in Prague on Tuesday night knowing they must win to stand any realistic chance of winning their Nations League group.

And the England boss knows the expectation is ramping up after another setback in a big game.

‘After a loss we are all desperate to bounce back straight away and the next possibility is the Czech Republic,’ said Tuchel. ‘Yeah, it puts a bit of pressure of course but nothing we can’t handle. Defeat is never good.’

Tuchel’s 24-man squad faces a challenging week with Tuesday’s game followed by another in Croatia on Saturday and a return against the Czechs at Wembley next week.

The German knows he has a responsibility to manage the players’ workload but nevertheless will not be entertaining any pleas for mercy from club managers in the Premier League or abroad.

Thomas Tuchel admits he is under pressure following England’s defeat by Spain at Wembley

The German insisted he cannot listen to pleas from club coaches to rest his England stars

‘No I don’t take calls from Premier League managers,’ Tuchel said. ‘I never called any national team coach when I was a club manager. It is what it is. I cannot manage the players. It’s just impossible. I knew as a club coach – when I was on the other side – that I had this example many times.

‘If I would call a coach in Brazil or Argentina, they would not know what I am talking about. The players would not know what I am talking about.

‘So why would I do this and start giving the players the impression that it’s OK to take a step back or share a half or to rest one match? Why would I? I would never. It’s madness. We want to win the next match.’

England narrowly lost a thrilling tussle with Spain on Saturday and may well have won had Harry Kane not missed a penalty when his team were 2-1 up early in the second half.

Star of England’s play with the ball was Jude Bellingham who already appears crucial to his team’s chances of bouncing back.

Asked whether Bellingham can play in such an intense way in all four games, Tuchel said: ‘It’s the only style he can play, that’s just his game.

‘It’s not an economical game but let’s see. I would love to have him four times on the pitch. I think the concern is that he hasn’t done it this season in this tight period. We will need to check with the physios. We will not put Jude at any risk. But his style is how he plays.’

Thomas Tuchel urged Jude Bellingham will be fine continuing to play at such a high intensity

Bellingham spent part of Saturday’s game in a running battle with his Real Madrid team-mate Marc Cucurella.

‘He likes that,’ said Tuchel. ‘He gets better if that happens. It’s better if he plays with a bit of rage. It’s what he does.

‘I think sometimes he is looking for these moments to get his fire going. He wants to win. He doesn’t know any club team-mates. He is still friends with them but not for the 90 minutes.’