What can England fans expect from Thomas Tuchel? | OneFootball

It’s the dawn of a new era for the England men’s national team – it’s the first game since the post-Gareth Southgate / Lee Carsley reign and the first step on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

Tuchel will become the first German to coach England and is tasked with one thing – to win the World Cup. After two final defeats at the European Championships and a World Cup semi-final, the Three Lions will be looking to finally make it over the line next year.

However, what can England and their fans expect from Thomas Tuchel?

A Winning Mentality

Tuchel comes with a DFB Pokal, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Champions League winners medal to his name.

The 51-year-old has won a trophy wherever he has been, bar his humble start at Mainz 05. Most notably for England fans and Premier League viewers, Tuchel is most well-known for his Champions League final victory over Pep Guardiola’s Man City when Chelsea were considered very much the undergo.

It’s clear that Tuchel knows what it takes to get over the line and make big calls during big games – something England never quite had under Southgate.

Speaking about England at Euro 2024, Tuchel did not mix his words: “The [lack of] identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns, the freedom of player, the expression of player, the hunger. They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament in my observation than having the excitement and hunger to win.”

Experience and Young Blood

Judging by Tuchel’s first England squad, it’s clear he isn’t focused on bringing on new talent unless they’re ready to make an instant impact. If England fans are hoping for Tuchel to give young players a call-up to just settle for the bench and get used to new surroundings, you’re going to be disappointed.

The call-up of Jordan Henderson should tell you all you need to know. Tuchel has an 18-month contract with the task of winning the World Cup. He’s going to rely on experienced internationals as well as young talent already capable of playing in big moments – and who would blame him?

His task is not to leave England with the next generation ready to make their mark but to win silverware.

Style of Play

Tuchel often played a back three at Chelsea but often opted for a solid back four during his time at Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and PSG.

Looking at his first call-up, it looks as though he will play a 4-3-3 formation.

The main questions are: who will play at full-back, who will accompany Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in the middle, and who are the starting wingers?

At full-back, Tuchel may opt for the trusted Kyle Walker, who is currently enjoying his time on loan at AC Milan. At left back, he has the biggest defensive choice to make. The only natural left-back in the squad is the uncapped Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly. Whether Tuchel is happy for him to start from minute one remains to be seen.

In the middle of the park, Bellingham will take up the number 10 role, with Declan Rice playing as the six. You feel Tuchel will have to choose between the experienced Ajax captain, Jordan Henderson, or the younger Curtis Jones of Liverpool.

On the wings, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordan could start either side of Kane or even Jared Bowen and Phil Foden.

You feel Tuchel’s first starting XI will tell us all we need to know about what to expect during his tenure.

Expect to see England forge a new identity during the qualifying campaign and a team that is free to express themselves. It all starts with a game at Wembley on Friday evening and where it ends? That’s up to Tuchel and his Lions.

GGFN | Jamie Allen