Thomas Tuchel has taken on an 18-month contract as England’s head coach, with a clear mission: to lead the national team to World Cup success. Despite his commitment, Tuchel considers England as underdogs in this campaign.
Underdogs in International Football
Tuchel emphasized that, while teams like Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and France have a recent history of victories, England must first focus on qualifying. “If you’ve never won a World Cup, you may be among the favorites, but you are not the favorite,” he stated. This perspective highlights the competitive landscape of international football.
Upcoming Matches
England will face Wales in a friendly on Thursday, followed by a critical World Cup qualifier against Latvia on October 14. These matches are crucial for Tuchel to assess his player options.
Squad Changes
- Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, regulars under former coach Gareth Southgate, have been left out.
- Reece James has withdrawn due to injury.
- Harry Kane is also unavailable for the Wales match due to a foot injury, but is expected to return for Latvia.
Building Team Spirit
Tuchel aims to maintain the close-knit spirit established by Southgate during his tenure. He noted the importance of teamwork and unity, echoing sentiments expressed by former captain Steven Gerrard about cohesion during the “Golden Generation” era.
“We build a team that is ready to go step by step and play as a team,” Tuchel said. He believes that successful teams are those that work cohesively, emphasizing that having a strong group is vital during extended training periods.
As England prepares for these crucial matches, Tuchel’s focus on enhancing team spirit and strategy will be essential for their aspirations in the World Cup.
