In public, Tuchel is perceived as a sober driver rather than a charismatic. The England fans respect him, but they don’t love him. Tuchel also made himself vulnerable with his critical attitude towards superstar Jude Bellingham. The media and experts particularly praise its clarity: roles, hierarchies and expectations are clearly defined.
In terms of sport, his debut has been successful so far. The successful qualification gave him support – at the same time there is growing expectation that Tuchel will take England to the next level tactically. The benchmark is not the preliminary round, but what comes after. The title actually has to be given, otherwise the discussions about Tuchel could flare up again.
Game system and tactics
Under Gareth Southgate, England mostly played in a flexible but cautious system – often with a back three, a deep block and strong protection. Control often trumped risk, which made England stable but predictable in crucial games.
Tuchel has changed this approach. England now plays predominantly from a back four, with clearly defined roles in midfield: a six-man (mainly Declan Rice) protects, an eight-man plays strictly from penalty area to penalty area, a ten-man acts as a hanging back or moved-in offensive player behind center forward Kane.
During the build-up, a central defender shifts into the midfield depending on the situation, creating flexible formations such as a 3-2-4-1 or a 4-1-4-1. Counter-pressing is crucial: England should attack immediately after losing the ball instead of retreating.
The biggest difference from the Southgate era is the courage to pace. Tuchel demands vertical runs, early finishes and presence in the penalty area. At the same time, the system remains stable – risk yes, loss of control no. It will also be exciting to see whether the English once again fall victim to their biggest trauma: the penalty shootout.
This is how England have performed at World Cups so far
England became world champions in 1966 – it remains their only World Cup title to this day. Since the triumph (4-2 against Germany), a story has been circulating to this day that is infamous in England as the “Curse of 1966”: The Brazilian author and journalist Nelson Rodrigues is said to have told the “Three Lions” after the World Cup victory that they would never win the World Cup again.
