Before leaving the England squad to return to the U21s, Lee Carsley said his aim was to help the Three Lions gain promotion to the Nations League. Another more important task that Carlsey promised to complete was to expand the pool of young players promoted to the team so that successor Thomas Tuchel would have more options.
Carsley has introduced a host of young stars, including Tino Livramento and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who would never have had a chance under Gareth Southgate. In theory, this is a positive for Tuchel, but it is unlikely that the German will use all of Carsley's resources.
Tuchel's mission is very clear from the FA, which is to win the 2026 World Cup. The 51-year-old coach's contract with the FA only lasts until the end of the tournament. Therefore, Tuchel does not have enough time to train young players. What he needs is an experienced squad that can always fight in the toughest confrontations.
Unlike club football, the national team has much less time to focus on playing. Tuchel has only had a few friendlies since taking charge in March 2025. If England are in a four-team group in the European qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup, they will not be able to train from March 2025 until the autumn of next year.
Looking at this schedule, after the intensive period in the fall of 2025, Tuchel only has about 9 months left to really prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Therefore, he has no time to test young stars. Not to mention that this is his first time in charge of a national team, the national football environment is too unfamiliar for Tuchel. Having time to test and adapt is a luxury.
A few days ago, captain Harry Kane criticized many teammates when he proactively withdrew from the national team during the FIFA Days in November. Kane used to work with Tuchel at Bayern Munich, so the two teachers and students understand each other very well. The "Gray Tiger" striker is considered Tuchel's spokesman on the training ground and the field. Therefore, when the German strategist takes on the task, the pillars will find it difficult to avoid being called up to the national team like the last two gatherings.
This means that the young squad that Lee Carsley has built over the past three months will most likely disappear completely when Tuchel takes over in January 2025. Tuchel has great respect for what Carsley is doing to help the Three Lions conquer the Nations League. However, there will be no transfer of philosophy, tactics or personnel between the two. Tuchel will be doing everything new and fans are eagerly waiting to see what the former Chelsea captain will do.
