First endurance test against Serbia
© Imago
Four games, four wins, zero goals: the balance of the English national team in the World Cup qualification is flawless, but the mood around the Three Lions is dominated by skepticism. The focus of the critics is often Thomas Tuchel. The doubt that the 52-year-old trainer England can lead to the world championship after the much-cited “60 years of pain” in the coming summer seem to grow almost nine months after taking office. Before the first real endurance test Tuchels against Serbia (Tuesday, 8:45 p.m. in Belgrade) we look at the current situation with TM expert and content Manager UK Ben Littlemore.
To date, Tuchel has been able to record Andorra, Latvia and Albania as a threesome in his balance sheet, but given the demands of the European Vice Champion, these results do not go beyond the status mandatory victory. The only defeat in Tuchels in the test against Senegal in mid -June was enough and a few fans as an occasion to consider the coach, which has been critically eyed with mockery and ridicule since the public took office. Afterwards, a “shameful appearance”, a “embarrassment” and a “hinge spanking for Tuchel” could be read.
In the offensive game in particular, England repeatedly disappointed the accusation against the coach: he was free of ideas. A point of criticism with which Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate also saw himself permanently confronted during his tenure and who ultimately brought it down. Even after the youngest and second victory against Andorra last weekend, the criticism was linked: the “boring, boring England” was read on Sunday with a view of the national team. In view of the appearances under Tuchel, it is difficult to remember positive times and look hopefully into the future, wrote the “Sun”, among other things.
How seriously can you take the current criticism of Tuchel? “So far, the performance has left a lot to be desired. The game was often slow and tedious and the necessary flexibility was missing. After games against weaker opponents such as Andorra, who only wait, a location is always difficult because they are completely different than in a big tournament. However, if you expected the handbrake, the handbrake will be solved more aggressively than under Southgate, which has been definitely. Disappointed, ”attested TM expert Littlemore.
The English “Times” summarized Tuchel’s previous aegis as “joyless” on Monday. Problems of injury would show that one was too dependent on individual players that the game patterns were introduced, it was difficult to share Tuchel’s belief in an early upswing, the sheet wrote. The trainer himself was optimistic about the duel with Serbia: “I am firmly convinced that we will deliver a good game in Serbia. We are ready to accept the atmosphere and physicality. It will be an emotional and very important group game. We will be prepared for it.”
Tuchel’s England: Better balance than under Southgate
The balance within the team is “better than at the last European Championship under Southgate, who tried to integrate as many talented players into the team as possible, which was ultimately borne by the team balance,” explains the London LittleMore, but adds: “Nevertheless, there is a lack of the game flow and apparently also the understanding of some involved, and there were also some strange tactical decisions that are questioned, which are also May.
What Tuchel should benefit in view of such analyzes: If you successfully play the game against Serbia, the way afterwards will first play a subordinate role. In any case, the trainer believes that a positive result and a convincing performance of his team can go hand in hand. “We meet a 5-4-1 defensive block with individual qualities on the offensive and large, physically strong strikers. We will prepare for the best version of our opponent. Maybe we will shoot one or two goals and win confidently. Or maybe we will take a goal through a standard or a deflected shot-everything is possible,” says Tuchel.
TM expert on Tuchel: 100 percent at the World Cup on the sidelines
The positive view of the coach is at least not shared by many. “As always, expectations in England are higher than they should be. I think a large part of the fans and media would describe anything but the winning of the World Cup next year.
The TM expert is convinced that Tuchel will still sit in the English saddle at the World Cup, despite all the doubt and criticism of German: “He will be 100 percent on the sidelines at the 2026 tournament and I also assume that the Three Lions will qualify. How long Tuchel will be in office after the World Cup remains to be seen.” From the English perspective, the tournament will be a “all-or-nothing” game. “To be honest, I can’t imagine England will win the title, but you certainly have one of the most competitive squad. The game against Serbia on Tuesday will be the hardest game in 2025 for team and coach. The trainer at least is already certain: “We will prove that we are ready to win there.”