Thomas Tuchel is officially England manager. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich boss was will now lead the Three Lions as they attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with England currently one of the favourites for the North America-based tournament in the sports betting.
The German, renowned as a master tactician at club level, reached consecutive Champions League finals in 2020 and 2021, winning the latter during his time at Chelsea before making the move to Bayern. While his time in Bavaria was cut short, Tuchel is familiar with the English game and seized the opportunity to delve into international football, after Gareth Southgate left his position this summer.
England look ahead to 2026 on the back of consecutive European Championship defeats, but Tuchel will need his players to be resilient as they aim for success in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Here are five players who will be key for the German as he takes the reigns as Three Lions boss.
Harry Kane
We begin with the England captain and a familiar face to Tuchel, Harry Kane. The manager signed him in Bavaria back in 2023, ending his career-long relationship with Tottenham Hotspur, and the striker repaid his faith, finishing as the Bundesliga’s top scorer last season.
Kane has struggled in big games for England in years gone by, but the country’s top scorer will know his manager has faith in him, and despite being 33 by the time the next World Cup rolls around, the captain should have enough in the tank to continue scoring for club and country.
Jude Bellingham
Another player Tuchel would have been well aware of during his time in Germany is Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid man rose through the ranks at Tuchel’s former side, Borussia Dortmund, and is now a key man for the Galacticos under Carlo Ancelotti.
Expect Bellingham to play a starring role in the new-look England outfit, with the midfielder able to play in a variety of areas, making him perfectly suited for the tactical game that is likely to be incorporated.
John Stones
Entering the peak of his powers, John Stones has done it all at club level for Manchester City, but has often flattered to deceive in big moments for his country. Tuchel will need the centre-back to be a real leader once Kyle Walker hangs up his boots, with his City teammate heavily exposed against Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Stones has all the makings of an England legend and has been involved in the squad since 2017, but will now need to be a commanding presence at the back for things to happen at the World Cup.
Cole Palmer
The emergence of Cole Palmer has taken the Premier League by storm in the last year or so, with the Chelsea man scoring the equaliser in Berlin against Spain. Yet, the talented attacker was unable to secure a regular starting place under Southgate.
Palmer can operate as a number ten as well as a winger, and alongside Phil Foden, there is plenty of creativity in midfield for Tuchel to work with.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Another player who lost his way with Southgate, Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best fullbacks in the world, but the Liverpool man has been in and out of the side throughout the last few international fixtures.
Lee Carsley preferred the 26-year-old as a midfielder, and then even used him as a left-back, but his best position is when he can whip crosses in from the right.
With his contract at Liverpool up at the end of the season, Alexnader-Arnold’s attention may turn to a fresh start with Real Madrid, but Tuchel’s priority will be making sure he can perform for England when he is called upon.
Article written by Harvey Cleere
