Tuchel’s Ruthless Approach

Thomas Tuchel is not in the business of making friends when it comes to selecting England’s squad. With an excess of world-class players at his disposal, the England manager has made it clear that reputation alone won’t secure a ticket to the upcoming World Cup. His philosophy is simple: the best team is not necessarily the one with the most famous names, but rather the one that fits his tactical vision. 

This stance will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, as England is experiencing an unprecedented era of attacking talent. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Cole Palmer are just a few of the names battling for a spot. However, Tuchel has emphasized that balance and cohesion will take precedence over individual brilliance. His warning is clear—some major stars may find themselves watching from home instead of the stadium sideline.  

Tuchel’s firm stance comes from his deep tactical understanding of the game. Having managed at the highest level with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, he is well aware that tournaments demand a different approach than club football. In qualifiers, raw talent and flair can win games, but in knockout competitions, structure and chemistry are essential. 

He has pointed out a key issue within England’s current talent pool: an overabundance of attacking midfielders and playmakers. The likes of Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer all thrive in central creative roles, but only a limited number can be accommodated without unbalancing the squad. Tuchel is determined to avoid a repeat of past mistakes where managers attempted to cram all their best players into a system that didn’t allow them to shine collectively. 

He has even hinted at potential formation changes to maximize efficiency rather than popularity. Experimenting with a 4-1-4-1 formation, for instance, would allow Declan Rice to anchor the midfield while ensuring only the most adaptable attacking players make the cut. This means that players who don’t fit seamlessly into the system—even if they are individually brilliant—will have to make way for those who do. 

Tuchel’s approach isn’t just about tactics; it’s about mindset. He wants a squad built on commitment and adaptability rather than entitlement. This means that even well-established stars who have delivered in past tournaments will not be given automatic places. If a player isn’t willing to conform to the team’s tactical discipline, they won’t be included—no matter how impressive their club performances may be.