The German strategist has explained what went wrong for his predecessor at Euro 2024. England’s Thomas Tuchel has his sights set on winning trophies, most notably the 2026 World Cup, something Gareth Southgate failed to do during his eight-year tenure.
As anticipated, his well-considered statement has the supporters of Wembley Stadium ecstatic for the time under Tuchel’s tutelage, particularly at the possibility of breaking their 59-year trophy drought and winning a trophy in North America the following summer.
With his first squad, Tuchel created a stir. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn received their first call-ups, but Jordan Henderson’s unexpected inclusion infuriated the English media because it excluded Conor Gallagher and Elliot Anderson.
Regarded by many as one of the greatest football managers in the world, Tuchel recently appeared on ITV Sport and did not hold back when asked if Southgate’s England had a “clear playing style” during their participation at Euro 2024 last summer.
“Did England have a distinct style of play last summer?” The German was questioned. “No, not last summer,” he dutifully said. The former Chelsea custodian responded, “The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns,” when asked what was lacking.
the players’ freedom, their expressiveness, and their hunger. I noticed that their fear of losing the event outweighed their joy and desire to win.
Tuchel’s quick-witted retort was followed by a question regarding the missing component. He replied, “Excitement,” with the straightforward follow-up query, “How do you mean?”
the belief that the team to beat is that one. that we come with a team to defeat. We are aware that everyone knows we are the team to defeat both when we arrive and after we qualify [for the 2026 World Cup].
"They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament than having the excitement and hunger to win it" 👀
Thomas Tuchel reflects on England's Euro2024 campaign 🏴#ITVFootball | #ThreeLions | @England | @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/ozsZzIpzvy
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 20, 2025
And after viewing the breathtaking video on X (previously Twitter), fans of England are unable to contain their sheer joy at having such a vocal strategist in charge of players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Declan Rice.
One fan said, “These remind me of his quotes when he joined Chelsea,” referencing his Champions League-winning 2020–21 season. Big claims, but he delivered large trophies and stood on his own two feet.
Another supporter referred to Tuchel, who started his management career at Mainz in 2009, as a “serious manager,” saying that he is excited about the possibility of watching England, which has became somewhat of a headache for supporters in recent years.
He is an earnest manager. I’m excited to see England play for once.
One admirer described Tuchel’s strategy as refreshing. “Very revitalising. I’ve been yelling for a manager that has the guts to let them play freely and bring out the best in this incredibly gifted group. The World Cup is far too soon.
Prior to England’s two World Cup qualifying matches against Latvia and Albania, which will both take place at the Home of Football, Wembley Stadium, a third person commented, “If this interview doesn’t fill you with optimism and excitement, I don’t know what will.”
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