England have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, following a resounding victory over Serbia with a 5-0 destruction over Latvia. However, early joy is not the destination, because the real work of coach Thomas Tuchel has just begun.
Surpassing low-ranked opponents such as Serbia (34), Ireland (66), Latvia (137) or Andorra (174) was expected. But these matches are a valuable opportunity for Tuchel to experiment, evaluate personnel and start shaping the playing style of the "Three Lions" - which will decide their defeat in North America next summer.
Tuchel understands that defeating weak teams is not a measure of strength, but only the beginning of a long journey to build a team of England that is united, brave and ready to face giants like Brazil, France, Argentina or Spain.
Building a bridge with Jude Bellingham
The first problem Tuchel needs to solve before England enter the World Cup qualifiers in November is the situation of Jude Bellingham - a problem that he created and now has to solve himself.
Tuchel's controversial statement in June, when he criticized Bellingham's on-field behavior, caused a stir in public opinion. The fact that he continues to remove the Real Madrid midfielder from the squad this month, even though the 22-year-old player has just returned from injury, has further fueled unnecessary negative headlines.
Tuchel insists England are stronger with Bellingham in the squad, but also stresses the need for a backup plan if he is absent. In the last two training sessions, the German strategist has experimented with many different options in midfield, but none have really filled the void left by Bellingham.
Next November, there will be no more room for trials. Tuchel needs to bring Bellingham back to the squad, while finding a way to integrate this star into the new tactical system.
Selecting stars
Despite the turmoil surrounding the relationship between Tuchel and Bellingham, many reputable sources believe that the German strategist will call back the Real Madrid star for the upcoming England squad training session. Cole Palmer is also expected to return after being sidelined for a series of matches this month due to injury.
However, the prospects of the trio Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish are not very promising. Although Foden and Grealish are both in good form at club level, they are still being ignored by Tuchel. This is a decision that has made many questions from fans and experts.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is still struggling to regain his form after injury. A shaky start to life at Real Madrid and not finding a stable role in the national team have made his future in the "Three Lions" shirt more uncertain than ever.
If Tuchel wants to build an England team that is both strong and balanced, he will soon have to propose a solution to this problem - between keeping faith in old stars or boldly renewing the squad towards the 2026 World Cup.
How to build Tuchel's squad
Finally, Tuchel has determined the main framework for England towards the 2026 World Cup. After a series of experiments since taking charge, the German strategist seems to have found the most suitable formula for the ambition to conquer the world's top.
Of course, there is still a chance that a season-ending star could squeeze into the list. However, the status quo based on reputation has almost disappeared in Tuchel's new reign.
Instead of relying on name, Tuchel focuses on tactical depth - players who are ready to rotate the situation, provide flexibility and make up for the gap when needed.
Adam Wharton is among those potential players, while Kobbie Mainoo, who started in the EURO 2024 final, is also working to make the final shortlist.
The question is: What will Gareth Southgate's old squad look like? Are Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker finished in the "Three Lions" shirt, or their extensive experience with Jordan Henderson still enough to create value for a team that is rapidly rejuvenating under Tuchel?
