Tuchel at the World Cup
“The most hated man in England”
June 17, 2026 – 4:46 p.mReading time: 4 minutes
Thomas Tuchel should satisfy England’s longing for a title. But even before the first World Cup game, the 52-year-old is under enormous pressure – also because of controversial decisions.
When England starts the 2026 World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday evening, Thomas Tuchel will probably face the most difficult task of his coaching career. Not because of the strong opponent. Not because of the atmosphere. But because of the expectations that weigh on the English national team at every major tournament. Tuchel was brought in from Germany to do something that generations before him failed to do – bring home the golden trophy.
If Tuchel succeeds in this feat, he would probably have a place of honor in the history book of British football. Because hardly any large nation has waited longer for the triumph it longed for than the English.
In 1966 they won their only World Cup title on home soil. The “Thirty Years of Hurt”, sung in the famous football anthem “Three Lions” from 1996, have long since become part of English football identity. The song name is derived from the team’s nickname.
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However, it has now been 60 years of pain. Hardly any large nation waits longer for the longed-for triumph. Only the English women’s national team was able to ease the pain somewhat with the European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025.
The foundation has been laid
The men’s national team has often not lacked much in recent years. Under Gareth Southgate, England reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the 2021 and 2024 European Championship finals. The team permanently established itself among the world’s best. The foundation was laid.
But the big hit didn’t happen, which is exactly why those responsible decided to take a radical step; the separation from Southgate was followed by the appointment of the German. Tuchel wasn’t signed to improve football or develop talent. He was signed to become world champion.
The expectations are huge
A detail in his contract also shows that the pressure is correspondingly high. The English association extended the cooperation until 2028 before the World Cup, but at the same time FA managing director Mark Bullingham confirmed a performance clause. In other words, even a long-term contract is no guarantee if the results are not right.
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