Thomas Tuchel, the newly appointed England head coach, is set to kick off his tenure with the aim of leading the team to the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel, who has signed an 18-month contract starting on January 1, 2025, is fully aware of the challenge ahead—adding a second World Cup star to England’s jersey. The qualification draw for the tournament placed England in a group with Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra, with the group winners securing an automatic spot in the finals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As he begins this new role, Tuchel plans to consult with former England head coach Gareth Southgate and interim manager Lee Carsley. Speaking about Southgate, Tuchel described him as “a gentleman” and expressed his intention to meet with him again to discuss the team’s strategies and the challenges of international management. Tuchel also plans to engage with Carsley, who managed the England team during the Nations League campaign in the autumn, to gain insights into the squad and its potential.
Tuchel has made it clear that England’s qualification for the World Cup is a top priority, emphasizing the need for seriousness and determination. England’s group opponents, including Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra, are all teams the national side has previously faced, but Tuchel warned that no match should be taken lightly. “The smaller nations have become stronger and stronger,” he said, stressing that the team must earn their place at the top of the group.
In addition to the qualification campaign, Tuchel also mentioned reaching out to Arsenal defender Ben White, who has not played for England since leaving the 2022 World Cup early, about a potential return to the national team. He also confirmed that Harry Kane will remain as England’s captain, noting that there is currently no need for a change.
Tuchel, who previously managed Kane at Bayern Munich, emphasized that the team’s qualification effort should be the main focus in the coming months.
