Thomas Tuchel has not played in any competitive matches since Bayern Munich's 2-4 defeat to Hoffenheim in May 2024. It was not until March that the German coach was directly instructed again when the England team will participate in a series of matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
A big advantage for Tuchel this time is that the "Three Lions" will play both matches against Albania and Latvia at home at Wembley. England fans are eagerly waiting for a coach considered to be the top in Europe to replace Gareth Southgate. Although Southgate is not highly appreciated, England has reached the finals of EURO 2024 and 2024. Therefore, Tuchel's task is to win the 2026 World Cup.
In the past 3 months, since his appointment, Tuchel has watched many matches in the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup. In addition, Tuchel had the opportunity to meet Prince William at Windsor Palace. He also had a reunion with former Chelsea students such as Mason Mount, Reece James and Ben Chilwell at the birthday party of former club CEO Marina Granovskaia.
Not only that, Tuchel also had a private meeting with Southgate. However, the media could not access the content of this meeting. Tuchel then met Lee Carsley of the England U21 team. While looking for a replacement for Southgate, the FA chose Carsley as a temporary replacement.
In the eyes of those who have met Tuchel in the past few months, everyone believes that England will easily find a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The energy and enthusiasm of the 51-year-old captain has attracted all those facing him and created great confidence.
Since January, Tuchel has made a list of about 55 players. He called each person to ask about and encourage them. All were equally motivated by the German. Many people were also video-called by Tuchel to make the conversation feel closer.
Although he has not helped England win a tournament in his 8 years in charge, the spirit of solidarity in the dressing room is an undeniable legacy of Gareth Southgate. Under the English strategist, the "Three Lions" were recorded to have no cracks. All players are always ready to join the national team. Tuchel's immediate task also needs to be done.
For Tuchel in this month's training session, the goal besides winning is to experiment. Some young talents were surprised when given the opportunity such as Myles Lewis-Skelly. Previously, the Arsenal defender was planned for Carsley's U21 team but was unexpectedly given the responsibility by Tuchel.
Tuchel was very willing to go to the Premier League. The 51-year-old coach has watched 25 matches in the last 9 weeks of the tournament. Tuchel shared that he can watch it on TV, but watching it live will give a more comprehensive view of the tactics that clubs are using, in addition to the ability to move and handle situations of each player.
Tuchel said it would be a defeat if England did not lift their world title next July. Getting good results against Albania and Latvia is natural, but England need a clear tactical shape, something Southgate failed to do at EURO 2024 despite reaching the final.
Thomas Tuchel has 3 months to warm up and the first 13 months will decide everything.
