Thomas Tuchel will start as England head coach on January 1, 2025 with the mission of winning the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions' 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland secured promotion back to UEFA Nations League A. And more importantly, it means Tuchel can start his England tenure with World Cup qualifiers instead of a chaotic play-off.
Tuchel’s short 18-month contract reflects the FA’s focus on specific targets. England have reached two consecutive European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate and caretaker manager Lee Carsley has won five of his six games in charge.
Goals from Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis against Ireland at Wembley suggested the Three Lions are making good progress. However, Tuchel still has a number of issues to address when he starts next year, including the role of Harry Kane.
Kane's successful penalty against Ireland was his 69th international goal, and it also showed the 31-year-old's commitment to England.
Kane's England allegiance has never been in doubt, but the 31-year-old's position is now in doubt. Kane looked helpless as the Three Lions struggled to break down the Irish defence in the first half, and it was only when Liam Scales was sent off that the visitors' defence was weakened.
When he was in charge of Bayern Munich, Tuchel's personal wish was to sign Kane from Tottenham last summer, so the German's arrival will be a positive for the 31-year-old. However, Watkins and Dominic Solanke will still be potential threats to Kane's position.
Both Watkins and Solanke have pace and dynamism, in contrast to Kane's preference to drop deep and link up play. Tuchel has tactical flexibility and must decide on a clear plan to play to Kane's strengths.
For example, a high-pressing, attacking team like Tuchel’s Chelsea team would not suit Kane’s skill set. Tuchel has used the 4-2-3-1 formation the most (130 games) in his managerial career. Next is 4-3-3 (62 games) and third is 3-4-2-1 (56 games).
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the Three Lions need a revolution to realise their dream of winning the championship. After all, they cannot rely on a striker who has lost much of his speed and stamina. Kane still has the instinct of a "killer" but what England need is a new source of energy.
