England manager Thomas Tuchel is contemplating a tactical shift for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, expressing a willingness to incorporate "old-fashioned qualities" like long throw-ins and long balls into the team's strategy. This potential change comes as Tuchel acknowledges the limited time he has with the players in international football and seeks to streamline the approach.
Tuchel's comments suggest a move towards a more direct style of play, contrasting with the short-passing patterns he has been trying to instill. He highlighted the effectiveness of crosses in England's recent 2-0 victory against Andorra, where both goals originated from lofted balls into the box. Noni Madueke's cross led to an own goal, while Reece James' delivery was headed home by Declan Rice. Tuchel specifically pointed out Rice's goal, noting the classic nature of the cross from the sideline to the far post.
The England boss also mentioned the potential use of long throw-ins and long kicks from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, indicating a comprehensive approach to utilizing different attacking options. "Once we arrive at the World Cup, all these things matter," Tuchel stated, emphasizing the importance of being versatile and adaptable. He admitted that implementing these strategies would be challenging with limited training time but affirmed their potential impact.
Tuchel anticipates a challenging atmosphere in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Serbia and stressed the need for his players to be prepared for all eventualities, including a potentially poor pitch and possible red cards. "We will have to adapt to the adversity and overcome adversity," he said, underlining the importance of resilience and mental fortitude. He expressed confidence in his players, stating that he felt their strength and readiness for the challenges ahead.
This tactical consideration also accounts for the unique conditions expected in the United States, where the 2026 World Cup will be held. Tuchel has warned that the heat and temperatures could make a high-intensity pressing game difficult to maintain, making these "old school tactics" crucial.
The potential shift towards a more direct approach could be seen as a throwback to traditional English football, with comparisons being drawn to the tactics employed by Tony Pulis. There are also comparisons to Mikel Arteta, who has seen success utilizing set pieces. Tuchel says it is part of a growing trend in football which he plans to work on across the next three training camps.
Despite sitting top of Group K in World Cup qualifying, some observers have noted that England's performances under Tuchel have been underwhelming. Creating sufficient goal-scoring opportunities for Harry Kane is a primary concern for Tuchel leading up to the World Cup. Injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have further complicated matters. Tuchel has also experimented with different midfield combinations and full-back pairings, suggesting that he is still searching for the optimal balance and cohesion within the team.
