The German is about to inherit one of the most talented squads in international football with one clear mission: leading them to World Cup glory
England are back where they belong, in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. But now the real work begins: building towards the 2026 World Cup. That, after all, is why Thomas Tuchel has been hired as coach ahead of the departing Lee Carsley and all potential English candidates.
The German has been chosen to lead the Three Lions to the next major tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada due to his track record of quickly knocking teams into shape and for his renowned in-game management skills. He has pledged to make tough decisions, which is a good thing, as every call he makes will be heavily scrutinised by an over-bearing media. And many members of the press pack have already taken against Tuchel on account of being German, for delaying his start date and for being absent from the last two games of the Nations League campaign.
Tuchel has, however, shown himself to be tactically flexible across his storied coaching career with Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, using a 3-4-2-1 formation with the Blues and a 4-2-3-1 at Bayern.
Here, GOAL outlines how his first England side should line up when they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign next March, using the 3-4-2-1 formation which took Chelsea to Champions League glory…
Getty GK: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford's place in the England team was called into question after the home defeat against Greece in October, leading to him being dropped for the next game against Finland as Dean Henderson was preferred. Pickford delivered an emphatic response upon being recalled last week in Athens, however, as he kept England in front with top-draw saves while making decisive decisions when coming out of his area and claiming crosses.
Pickford has been in fine form for Everton, conceding just four goals in his last seven games while keeping three clean sheets. Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale have been struggling in the meantime, making Pickford the only credible choice for the new boss.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRCB: Ezri Konsa
Ezri Konsa impressed when called upon at Euro 2024, although injuries limited him to just two appearances in Carsley's six games, and he was forced to withdraw from Thursday's meeting with Greece at half-time.
Howevr, as long as he stays injury free, Konsa has all the attributes to thrive under Tuchel. And especially if the German deploys a back-three, due to his experience of playing as both a full-back and right centre-back for Aston Villa.
(C)Getty ImagesCB: John Stones
John Stones missed the final two games of Carsley's spell in charge, but when he returns to full fitness he can expect to be recalled by Tuchel. The German will surely value the Manchester City man's experience as well as his ability to play out from the back and push into midfield when needs be. Stones' aerial threat from corners will also do him no harm when it comes to debating selection.
AFPLCB: Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi was one of England's breakout stars at Euro 2024 and he has not looked back since. Injuries to Stones, Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill have meant he has turned into the most reliable centre-back in the England pool over the past six months.
The Crystal Palace captain was superb against Greece and Ireland this past week, putting his aerial prowess to good use against the latter, and he should be expected to lead the defence into the new era under Tuchel.
