Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England manager has brought fresh ambition to the Three Lions as they set their sights on World Cup glory in 2026. It’s been a long wait for international glory as an England fan, but many believe that Tuchel is the right man to upset the sports betting odds and finally bring football back to its spiritual home.
The German tactician, who previously led some of Europe’s biggest clubs—Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich—arrives with a wealth of experience and a reputation for shrewd, adaptable strategies.
While England have made steady progress under Gareth Southgate in recent years, Tuchel’s arrival signals a bold step towards achieving the ultimate prize in international football.
After several close calls at the European Championships, losing successive finals to Italy and Spain, England have been desperately seeking a manager capable of breaking their trophy drought, which extends back to 1966.
As the national team embarks on the road to the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel’s tactical nouse, familiarity with the English game, and success in high-pressure club competitions could be the ingredients England needs. But is he the right man to finally guide England to footballing glory?
Tuchel’s managerial career had taken him to England at club level, meaning he is already familiar with the football culture, players, and the Premier League. His success at Chelsea, where he clinched the 2021 Champions League, ultimately was unraveled by Todd Boehly, but he is still loved in west London by the Blues for his time at the club.
Despite facing challenges in his next job at Bayern, Tuchel opted to switch to international management. Fans hope he builds upon the positive relationship established by Southgate between the fans and the national team, finally taking it one step further and delivering that elusive trophy.
Under Southgate, England achieved remarkable stability, reaching the latter stages of multiple tournaments.
His tenure brought a new era of professionalism and team unity, and he guided England to some of their best performances in decades. Yet, critics argue that Southgate’s tactics often felt conservative, especially in critical moments, leaving fans wondering what might have been with a more adventurous approach.
Tuchel’s appointment, then, marks a shift towards a more progressive style—one focused on proactive tactics rather than reactive play.
The German inherits a wealth of talent, with experienced figures like Harry Kane and John Stones alongside rising stars like Jude Bellingham.
Kane, England’s captain and all-time top scorer, brings leadership and a familiar connection with Tuchel, having played under him at Bayern.
Players like Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who struggled for consistent roles under Southgate, could flourish in Tuchel’s system, which encourages creativity and intelligent movement.
This new approach could transform England into a more versatile, unpredictable side capable of challenging the world’s best. They surely arrive at the 2026 World Cup with a real chance of lifting the trophy in the United States.
That said, Three Lions fans will have to be realistic about their chances in what will be Tuchel’s first major international tournament.
Despite England’s depth and experience, World Cup tournaments are notoriously unpredictable, and Tuchel will need his squad in peak form to navigate the challenges. While England might be one of the favorites on paper, success in international football demands consistent, high-level performances across all stages.
The competition will be fierce, with Spain already besting England once in Berlin, while Argentina are building a dynasty in the twilight of the Lionel Messi era, having won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Americas and the Finalissima.
If he can build on the foundation left by Southgate, inspire his talented squad, and navigate the complexities of World Cup football, Tuchel could be the man to bring football home for England in 2026. But as history has shown, achieving glory on the international stage is no easy feat, and Tuchel will need every bit of his expertise—and a little luck—to make England’s dreams a reality.
