Thomas Tuchel's tenure as England manager has hit a snag, with recent performances raising questions about his ability to ignite the squad and deliver the major tournament success the nation craves. Despite being appointed to address tactical shortcomings and instill a winning mentality, the team appears to be struggling to find its rhythm and identity under the German coach.

The latest setback came in a surprising 3-1 defeat to Senegal at the City Ground, marking England's first-ever loss to an African nation. This result followed an uninspiring 1-0 victory over Andorra in a World Cup qualifier, a match where Tuchel himself criticized the team's lack of seriousness and urgency. These performances have sparked concern among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning whether England has actually regressed since Tuchel took over from Gareth Southgate.

Several factors contribute to the current sense of unease. Firstly, the timing of these matches, at the end of a long and grueling club season, has left many players fatigued and potentially mentally switched off. Tuchel himself acknowledged that he's only had a limited number of training sessions with the full squad, making it difficult to implement significant tactical changes in such a short period.

Secondly, Tuchel's experimentation with the lineup and tactical approaches has yet to yield the desired results. Against Senegal, he made ten changes to the starting eleven, indicating a desire to assess different players and combinations. However, the disjointed performance suggested that the team is still lacking cohesion and a clear understanding of its roles and responsibilities. Some critics have also pointed to specific player selections, particularly in central defense, as areas of concern.

Adding to the challenge is the weight of expectation that comes with managing England. Tuchel inherited a squad that had reached the Euro 2024 final, raising hopes that he could provide the final piece of the puzzle to end the nation's long wait for a major trophy. However, as Tuchel himself noted, the pressure and tension surrounding the team can sometimes hinder their performance, making them play with fear rather than excitement and joy.

Despite the recent struggles, it is still early in Tuchel's reign. He has secured three wins in World Cup qualifiers, and captain Harry Kane continues to find the net, scoring in every game under the new manager. Tuchel also has a year to work with the squad before the 2026 World Cup, providing an opportunity to address the current issues and build a team capable of competing for the title.

Tuchel needs to find a way to unlock the full potential of his talented squad, instilling a clear tactical identity and fostering a winning mentality. He must also address the defensive vulnerabilities that have been exposed in recent matches and find the right balance between experimentation and consistency in his team selections. The honeymoon period is over, and the pressure is on Tuchel to turn things around and reignite the joy and belief within the England camp.