How Thomas Tuchel’s England differs from Gareth Southgate’s methods | OneFootball

Since taking charge in January 2025, Thomas Tuchel has set out an approach starkly different from Gareth Southgate’s. L'Équipe points out that he wants a clear break with the recent past.

A BBC drama, Dear England, aired in late May and revived the question of continuity after Southgate’s deep runs but no trophy since 1966.

In March 2025, Tuchel said the Euro 2024 team lacked identity, rhythm, repeatable patterns and expressiveness. Even so, his picks have often echoed Southgate’s, and among the expected starters against Croatia on Wednesday at 22:00, only Nico O’Reilly and Elliot Anderson debuted under him.

Tactically, Southgate prized tempo control, sometimes sterile, while Tuchel chases vertical play and high recoveries, a mix that has brought a 1-3 defeat to Senegal on 10 June 2025 and a 5-0 qualifying win in Serbia on 9 September 2025.

Their handling of players diverges too. Southgate projected a paternal figure, whereas Tuchel is more hands-on and volatile and makes clear that anyone can be dropped. Phil Foden was omitted from the World Cup squad after Tuchel publicly questioned his best position.

Jude Bellingham illustrates the shift. Southgate shielded him, including from media duties at Euro 2024, while Tuchel used him to challenge privileges, at one stage seeing him as back-up to Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. A close friend has called Tuchel totally unpredictable. If players embrace the pressure, England could end a 60-year wait.

Source: L'Équipe