Tuchel tweaks the Three Lions: England one win from World Cup spot

Unbeaten in the World Cup qualification rounds so far, England are one win away from another major tournament, but minor and major adjustments have been made within the ranks, one of which is a change of manager.

For the first time in nine years, the Three Lions’ system has been tweaked. The transition from Gareth Southgate to Thomas Tuchel represents a shift from a conservative approach to a more proactive and tactically demanding style.

So far, England are yet to concede a goal, something Southgate was very focused on achieving and which Tuchel is continuing.

Life for the former national team manager started off very similar to that of the German, keeping five clean sheets from a possible six and scoring 13 times with a squad that was in transition, especially with the ageing Rooney being overlooked in favour of a young Harry Kane.

BELGRADE, SERBIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Serbia and England at Rajko Mitic Stadium on September 09, 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Going into the World Cup in the USA next year, things for England look stable but not especially exciting or fresh, with the same pool of players being continuously selected in the qualifiers so far.

Tuchel has had his share of early criticism from England fans expecting the World Cup to return from the North America next July, but the only major difference between past and present is that wing-backs in the new system will be in higher demand and required more going forward.

In the 2021/22 season, Tuchel’s Chelsea were flying, and the wing-backs took off.

Reece James finished the season as Chelsea’s eighth-highest scorer with six goals and added nine assists across all competitions. The German emphasised the importance of wing-backs, allowing for more pressure deeper into the opposition box and accommodating greater freedom for the creatives in the side.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: Reece James of Chelsea in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 27, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

After the dominant and unexpected 5-0 thrashing of Serbia, the Three Lions are one win from confirming their spot in the World Cup next year. However, a game against Wales in an uncompetitive setting will allow Tuchel to call up players on the fringes, meaning that camp will have a lot to show before the final squad is submitted.