Tuchel’s World Cup puzzles: Six dilemmas facing England’s coach
England’s flawless march through qualification has lifted expectations to a level rarely seen before a major tournament. Yet with seven months until the World Cup begins, Thomas Tuchel still faces delicate calls that could define England’s campaign.
The German coach has transformed the team’s mood and mindset, but the next stage demands clarity on selection, squad hierarchy and the balance of star power.
A renewed optimism
Tuchel’s first eight months in charge have brought a visible shift in energy around the England camp. He has relished his time with the squad, though he now faces a long wait before working with them again in March.
His appointment drew scepticism at first, yet results have validated the FA’s gamble, with players responding to his methods.
Read also: Trump policy creates new complications ahead of 2026 World Cup
England arrived at past tournaments in high spirits, but the current optimism is rooted in unprecedented qualifying form. According to reporting from Goal.com, this is the first time England have won every game before a World Cup, while also keeping a clean sheet throughout.
Their final outing, a gritty 2–0 win in Albania sealed late on, underlined a newly forged ruthlessness.
Captain Harry Kane captured the mood when he said: “It’s as good as we’ve ever had… We’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favourites and we have to accept that.” His remarks, cited in the original reporting, reflect a squad that feels ready for a major step forward.
Big decisions ahead
Even with momentum on their side and hopes of ending a 60-year title drought, key selection questions remain. Tuchel has solved many early issues but still needs answers before England head to the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.
Read also: France Eye Zinedine Zidane as Post-2026 Coach
Jude Bellingham’s spotlight
Goal.com notes that Jude Bellingham’s presence, or absence, tends to dominate the English football conversation. Even when missing the October squad, his omission remained a leading storyline.
His return against Albania reignited debate, particularly after he reacted with mild frustration when substituted.
Tuchel appeared surprised by the focus on the incident, telling reporters he would “have to review it.” He reiterated his stance on discipline and teamwork, saying: “We’re about standards, commitment and respect to each other. We’ll not change our decision just because someone is waving their arms.”
The earlier revelation, reported in the piece, that Tuchel’s mother found aspects of Bellingham’s behaviour “repulsive” still lingers in the public mind. Going forward, the manager may need to embrace the midfielder’s competitive edge while avoiding comments that amplify scrutiny.
Read also: Countdown to the 2026 World Cup: England and Scotland brace for the draw
Life without Kane?
Kane’s brace against Albania pushed him beyond Pelé’s international tally and reaffirmed his centrality to this team. The original report highlights that he has scored more goals than any European counterpart in qualifying competitions since 2019, and nine in nine under Tuchel.
But the question remains: what happens if he is unavailable? England leaned heavily on him at Euro 2024 despite his lack of sharpness, and his workload at Bayern Munich could be enormous by June.
Conor Coady expressed a widespread view when he said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I don’t want to think of an England without Harry Kane.” The concern is understandable, Tuchel’s most recent squad did not include a recognised backup striker once Ollie Watkins withdrew. Jarrod Bowen and Marcus Rashford filled in as emergency options, but England will require a more established alternative next summer.
Defensive dilemmas
John Stones’ return to fitness has given Tuchel one half of his preferred centre-back pairing. Stones brings experience and composure.
Read also: Senators press MLB over alleged betting manipulation
Dan Burn struggled in Albania, while Marc Guehi, outstanding at Euro 2024, has slipped unpredictably down the pecking order, omitted even when fit for the Latvia match. Injuries have further muddied the picture: Guehi missed the latest camp with a foot issue, Ezri Konsa deputised well before a calf problem sidelined him, and Jarell Quansah is still finding his feet at senior level.
Stability will be essential, but time is running short.
Full-backs in flux
Tuchel’s choices at full-back have been influenced heavily by club circumstances. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who scored the first goal of the Tuchel era, has lost his Arsenal place to Riccardo Calafiori and now barely features.
As a result, Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City started both recent matches and has surged into contention for a World Cup role.
Read also: Europe’s 2026 World Cup play-off field set after dramatic final night
On the right, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s slow start at Real Madrid cost him his England spot back in September. Despite his quality, he has made only three starts under Xabi Alonso this season, leaving Tuchel little evidence to support a recall. Other contenders face fitness concerns of their own, including Tino Livramento and Reece James.
England may find themselves relying on whichever full-backs have the steadiest club rhythm by spring.
The Foden question
Phil Foden’s reintegration brought mixed impressions. He assisted Eberechi Eze against Serbia and added imagination off the bench in Albania, yet he did not start either match. This surprised many, given Tuchel’s earlier promise of “central roles” for both Foden and Bellingham.
The coach has suggested that deploying Foden, Bellingham and Kane together is tactically awkward due to their preference for central positions. As a result, the trio shared only 22 minutes on the pitch in Albania.
Foden has previously accepted rotation at Manchester City, and there is little sign he views a substitute role as beneath him. Still, his patience may be tested if he remains a bench option at the World Cup, even though his impact against tired opponents could be invaluable.
Crowded left flank
England’s left side has transformed from a weakness at Euro 2024 to an area of overwhelming competition. Marcus Rashford’s resurgence at Barcelona has been eye-catching, and he provided the assist for Kane’s second goal in Albania. Meanwhile, Eze, despite underwhelming in Tirana, has scored in three straight games as a substitute.
Anthony Gordon, praised for his performance in the 5–0 win over Latvia, remains firmly in the race once fit again.
Tuchel faced criticism when he recalled Rashford in March despite his struggles at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, yet the gamble has paid off. As things stand, Rashford and Gordon lead the battle for the starting shirt, with Eze offering tactical flexibility as an inside-forward option.
