Thomas Tuchel’s England: The Blueprint for 2026 World Cup Glory
As the newly-appointed England manager, Thomas Tuchel faces the daunting task of transforming the Three Lions into World Cup winners. With an 18-month contract and a clear mandate to “add a second gold star” to England’s crest, Tuchel begins work on New Year’s Day, ready to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting in March.
Tuchel, renowned for his tactical acumen, remains optimistic. During his unveiling, he declared, “The Three Lions have the ingredients of a trophy-winning team; the challenge is combining them to make a perfect dish.” After Gareth Southgate’s near-miss at Euro 2024, Tuchel must unlock the potential of a squad brimming with talent but often lacking cohesion.
Here’s how Tuchel could reshape England:
A Tactical Dilemma: Back Three or Back Four?
Tuchel’s flexibility sets him apart. At Chelsea, he employed a 3-4-2-1 formation to outwit Pep Guardiola in the 2021 Champions League final. At Bayern Munich, however, he predominantly used a back four, adapting to his squad’s strengths.
For England, a back four seems likely, aligning with recent trends. John Stones, the only world-class centre-back, is a guaranteed starter. Marc Guehi has overtaken Harry Maguire in the pecking order, becoming England’s most consistent defender this year. Meanwhile, Levi Colwill offers competition as a left-footed alternative.
The full-back spots are equally intriguing. Tuchel’s admiration for Reece James from their Chelsea days is well-documented, but James’ injury record complicates matters. Until James regains fitness, Tuchel can rely on Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kyle Walker, two vastly different options who add tactical versatility. On the left, Luke Shaw remains England’s best option, with Lewis Hall showing promise but not yet ready for a starting role.
Midfield Balance: The Rice Conundrum
Declan Rice, a staple in England’s midfield, must rediscover his form after a disappointing Euros. Tuchel has long admired him, once attempting to sign him for Bayern. The question is whether Rice will continue as a pivot or take on a more dynamic role.
Tuchel favors industrious midfielders, having relied on N’Golo Kanté at Chelsea and Konrad Laimer at Bayern. This opens opportunities for Curtis Jones, who dazzled in recent games under interim manager Lee Carsley, including a sublime backheel goal on debut. Alternatively, Conor Gallagher, now thriving at Atletico Madrid, could add grit and energy.
Harry Kane: Still the Main Man?
Tuchel’s history with Harry Kane suggests the 31-year-old will remain central to England’s attack. Under Tuchel at Bayern, Kane thrived as a penalty-box predator, scoring a record 36 Bundesliga goals last season. Tuchel simplified Kane’s role, asking him to focus on finishing rather than dropping deep—a tactic that could pay dividends for England.
To maximize Kane’s effectiveness, he’ll need pace around him. Bukayo Saka, with 12 international goals, outshines Phil Foden in an England shirt and deserves to start on the right. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke, who emerged under Carsley, adds depth but must secure his place at Chelsea. On the left, Anthony Gordon offers directness and speed, though his position is under threat once Jude Bellingham returns from suspension.
The No. 10 Battle: Foden, Bellingham, or Palmer?
England’s embarrassment of riches at No. 10 presents a puzzle. Jude Bellingham, a proven match-winner, edges ahead, but Cole Palmer has been England’s most in-form creative force. With 29 goals and 16 assists in 44 Premier League games for Chelsea, Palmer deserves his chance to shine.
Tuchel’s Potential Starting XI
For Tuchel’s debut in March, a 4-2-3-1 formation seems likely:
- Pickford;
- Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Shaw;
- Rice, Jones;
- Saka, Palmer, Gordon;
- Kane.
Tuchel must solve the Rubik’s Cube that is England’s squad, but his track record and ambition signal an exciting era ahead. For now, all eyes are on March as the Three Lions’ journey to 2026 begins.
