Sport
Tuchel must find consistency to earn a contract extension
Many England managers have struggled to handle all that the job entails, but Thomas Tuchel seems not to be one of them. While the German’s results as Three Lions boss have been mixed, Tuchel’s recent remarks suggest he is enjoying the task of moulding the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking before England’s final two qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, Tuchel opened the door to staying on in the job after the 2026 World Cup. According to the former Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss, a contract extension is a “possibility.” He could stay for longer than originally envisaged.
Tuchel has executed the first part of his brief as England manager having guided the Three Lions to the 2026 World Cup with two qualifiers to spare. The next part will be much trickier. Having made two Euro finals under Gareth Southgate, England have hired Tuchel to take the final step and win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
This perhaps shouldn’t be the only measure of Tuchel’s success or failure as England manager. Indeed, the 52-year-old must show he has a clear and coherent vision for The Three Lions before The FA commit to keeping Tuchel beyond the 2026 World Cup. To date, Tuchel hasn’t shown that.
September’s 5-0 away win over Serbia was a statement result and performance by Tuchel’s England. This is the blueprint for the national team under the German coach. There was energy and intensity from England in Belgrade. They made the most of their attacking quality and had control across the pitch.
In other matches, though, Tuchel’s England have been insipid. They have lacked a clear game plan and have staggered through games where their talent advantage should have made The Three Lions more comprehensive winners. It has taken a while for England to get going under their new manager.
Tuchel is still working through a process ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He has made the midfield a big focus with Elliot Anderson brought in to give England some much-needed energy and cohesion in the centre of the pitch. The Nottingham Forest youngster is getting better and better and has been likened to Steven Gerrard.
The focus on the midfield unit includes Jude Bellingham who was left out of Tuchel’s squad for the October international break. The German coach sent a clear message to Bellingham that he required a higher level from the Real Madrid star who has struggled to find his best form for club and country over a number of months.
On the left wing, Tuchel has used Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon with Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers all given an opportunity to prove they can offer England something. That process continued with the selection of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott for the games against Serbia and Albania.
Tuchel might be enjoying the process of remoulding England in his own image, but a disappointing showing at the 2026 World Cup would surely end any hopes he has of a longer stay. “I know from many years in professional and club football what makes me happy and what brings the best out of me,” he said. “I feel re-energised and I love to work with the players and be close to the Premier League.”
Southgate’s time in charge saw England make big strides forward as a competitive force at the top of the international game. Tuchel’s appointment was designed to take The Three Lions to an even higher level. So far, that hasn’t happened. Tuchel is counting on his process achieving results at the World Cup and possibly beyond.
