Thomas Tuchel has taken us on a rollercoaster ride through this World Cup.
England fans enjoyed the route to the semi-final, the glorious night in Mexico City and the heroics of the win against Norway. However, following the defeat against Argentina, Tuchel reached his lowest point as England manager.
And now, after much hope, Tuchel’s next job awaits. euro 2028. And first, here’s his to-do list and how he’s trying to solve England’s problems.
1. Repair trust with fans
This is the biggest thing. It is worth understanding that Tuchel has the full trust of the FA. Please ignore any modified suggestions. Just not.
The FA sees this as an opportunity to win this semi-final and record their best World Cup performance on foreign soil, which will be a success. Of course they wanted more. But his position is not threatened.
However, his status is being threatened by fans. They are the ones who are angry that Tuchel has broken it. I’ve talked to a lot of people here in the United States, and they’re all blaming the coach, not the players.
They think he made the wrong sub, he made the wrong tactic and it was his fault that England surrendered after that game.
It will take a lot of time to mend the relationship between Tuchel and the fans. It’s tough when there are no fans. I don’t think he completely believes that. But he has to deliver and get his team back onside – and quickly.
2. Restore trust with players
England players saddened by Argentina (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Tuchel’s comments following the Argentina game were open, brutal and perhaps too honest (even if they were highly newsworthy). I once read an article about Tuchel personally telling his players to do things differently.
There’s nothing private about it – he said it publicly. He spoke about how England don’t have possession in their DNA. He told them he wanted them to be less passive and more proactive, and that he wanted his wing-backs to be more active. He told them to go on.
As journalists, we like his openness. Tuchel has always been open and not afraid to voice his opinion. But some players don’t like it.
Some England players thought the defensive changes were his fault, but he has now shifted the blame with his own comments.
They all spoke of the togetherness, brotherhood and close-knit group at this tournament. Losing in the semi-finals will put that to the test.
3. Main changes
Coach Tuchel faces a big choice for the future (Image: Getty Images)
This World Cup may be Jordan Pickford’s last as No1. James Trafford admits he will push hard and he is under pressure at the moment.
What about Harry Kane? Will he be able to live forever? If Tuchel has lost faith in Marcus Rashford, move on. Be ruthless about those players and future consequences.
If you’re going to question the DNA of your team, why not bring in a player who actually wants to hold the ball? Koby Mainu and Alex Scott come to mind.
With the ‘home’ Euros just around the corner, England need to make some changes.
4. Never choose the wrong players
Sorry, but what nonsense. Tino Libramento returned home before kick-off. Reece James was wrong. He wasn’t able to play his best as he spent most of the season injured.
There’s a lesson here…pick players who are fit and sharp. That must be the sticky note posted on Tuchel’s desk ahead of the Euros.
5. Bring in new friends – they cheer us up.
Rio Ngmoja could become a key part of England’s attack by 2028
England have a bright new breed of players. They are exactly the players we need to strengthen our team ahead of Euro 2028.
Players like Rio Ngmoha, Max Dauman and Alex Scott will give England a huge boost heading into the Nations League and the Euros.
Young players bring freshness, energy and enthusiasm, and the crowd buys into that.
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