Thomas Tuchel takes charge of England for the first time this Friday at Wembley, in their opening World Cup qualifier against Albania. After a period to prepare, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager begins his international management journey with significant expectations.
With the World Cup approaching in 15 months, the pressure is on Tuchel. He is expected to win the World Cup, building on Gareth Southgate’s foundations of team unity and a positive mindset. Tuchel must now ensure the squad can handle the pressure of ending England’s long wait for a major trophy.
Reflecting on the European Championships, Tuchel observed a talented England squad playing with tension and fear of failure, hindering their ability to express their full potential and impose their game on opponents.
Tuchel stated, ‘I felt tension and pressure on the shoulders of the players during the Euros. They seemed more afraid of losing and increasing pressure at home, rather than excited about achieving something special.’
‘We need to change this,’ Tuchel added. ‘We have many experienced, trophy-winning players. We have the right to be self-confident, and every journey begins with the first match.’
Will there be a Plan B?
Tuchel has emphasized the limited training time before the World Cup. With only around 20 sessions across six training camps, detailed tactical work will be challenging. Player availability will also be unpredictable.
This week highlights this, with injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka. Such absences will be common, requiring Tuchel to adapt. He needs an approach that accommodates missing key players like Harry Kane or John Stones in different camps.
Balancing qualification and World Cup preparation is another challenge. Southgate faced criticism for being too cautious. Tuchel’s possession-based, defensively solid approach might need adjustment for qualifying matches where entertainment is also expected.
Tuchel’s response is to treat every opponent seriously, even in qualification. He indicated he would prepare for Albania with the same detail as he would for stronger club opponents.
He described his approach: ‘Offensively, we aim to implement our style, structure, and rhythm, placing players where they are comfortable and can maximize their potential. However, respecting every opponent, including Albania, requires us to be adaptable, structurally and in our lineup.’
‘We cannot be arrogant and assume opponents will simply adapt to us. They will seek solutions against us, so we must be open to adapting defensively to their structure and qualities. This starts tomorrow,’ he concluded.
Given time constraints, Tuchel is likely to implement a core approach that can be adapted based on the opposition, rather than multiple distinct systems. The specific defensive formation remains undisclosed.
Which Big Names Have To Make Way?
England’s player pool offers both great opportunity and selection dilemmas for Tuchel. Choosing from midfielders like Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Palmer is a luxury, but also creates potential problems if the chosen combination underperforms.
Southgate faced similar issues, struggling to fit Foden, Bellingham, and Saka together effectively, despite their individual brilliance. Even deploying Saka as a wing-back didn’t fully solve the issue of integrating their talents.
With Harry Kane as a central figure, Tuchel needs a system that works with a forward who sometimes drops deep. This might require players who stretch the play, such as Anthony Gordon or attack-minded wing-backs like Tino Livramento and Reece James.
Tuchel also values an ‘English’ style, emphasizing tackles and headers. He aims for a structured system where players understand and fulfill their roles, contrasting with a potentially more fluid approach seen at the Euros.
Tuchel noted, ‘I felt that the team in the Euros were not free enough to express themselves within a stable structure. We must ensure everyone knows and accepts their role on the field and plays with discipline within that role.’
Can Tuchel Keep the Good Vibes?
Tuchel’s willingness to question England’s previous successful manager demonstrates his confidence in his role. Initial skepticism has faded, and he seems comfortable with the growing expectations. Players also appear positive about his appointment.
Kane stated, ‘Thomas brings more energy, enthusiasm, and passion. He was a key reason I joined Bayern Munich. I know his qualities as a coach, and all the boys are impressed.’
Tuchel himself expresses excitement about being back on the training pitch and enjoying team bonding activities. ‘They reminded me instantly why I was so excited about this job,’ he said about his squad.
Tuchel’s early impacts at Chelsea and Bayern were positive, marked by trophy wins and leadership. However, his tenures at previous clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern, eventually faced challenges and departures. While his coaching ability is widely respected, his long-term relationships with management have sometimes been strained.
The international management role, with its less frequent demands, might suit Tuchel better. The key will be whether he can inspire England to embrace the challenge of winning the World Cup, overcoming any fear of failure.
