Thomas Tuchel stands as an elite coach for the England national team, and he should not be underestimated. Over my 12 years at Chelsea, he and Mauricio Pochettino emerged as my two favorite managers.
Tuchel excels in communication; he is demanding yet articulate. I admire how he conveys information to both the media and players in a manner that is clear, concise, and methodical while also being inspirational and thorough. Having observed his training sessions at Chelsea, I have become a significant admirer. His honesty and directness with players mean he doesn’t waste time—this is serious business—but he also possesses a warm and friendly demeanor.
He has cultivated excellent relationships with the Chelsea staff, frequently inviting the women’s coaching team to observe his sessions, making them feel included. I fondly remember when we both celebrated winning the 2021 FIFA Best Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year awards from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, watching via Zoom. I was genuinely thrilled when he won.
Three weeks have elapsed since Tuchel selected his 26-player squad for the World Cup, and I am certain he meticulously considered each decision. He is the type of coach who stands firm in his choices. When a squad is announced for a major tournament, there is often an overemphasis on the selections. It’s inevitable that some top-notch players will miss out.
Tuchel has made it clear that he has around 14 or 15 core players who will feature prominently in nearly every match. Any alterations to the starting lineup will likely arise from this group. We sometimes fixate too much on the number of players—26 in total—but the reality for a head coach is to assemble a squad that can endure 50 days together, accepting their roles, as many will not see playtime. Factors like their behavior and contributions to team dynamics are crucial. Maintaining harmony requires a common objective, which demands sacrifice and the right attitude. It’s evident he has chosen highly athletic and resilient players.
For a coach like Tuchel, making decisions is never straightforward. His process begins with defining what he envisions for his game model and assessing who can meet the physical demands and adapt to environmental conditions, especially in humid and hot climates. Throughout England’s flawless qualification campaign, with eight wins and no goals conceded, he has had ample opportunity to evaluate these players in depth.
Evaluation cannot solely hinge on club performances; understanding how players react in the international arena is vital. A player like Bukayo Saka has established significant credibility with England over an extended period.
Notifying players they have been excluded from the squad is never an easy task. There is no gentle way to deliver that news, and it is never enjoyable. Sometimes the conversation is brief: “Listen, you haven’t made the group and I just wanted you to know that” Other times, it may involve offering an opportunity for questions, but often the response is simply, “If you’ve got any questions, you can ask” Each manager has their own approach.
Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are remarkable talents, and it’s unfortunate when players are left out. However, it’s impossible to exclude Jude Bellingham from the squad, and Eberechi Eze has also performed impressively in the latter half of the season, which justifies Tuchel’s decision to include him.
One selection that caught me off guard was Palmer. I thought he might make the cut, as having that touch of magic can be invaluable when key players like Jack Grealish and Foden are unavailable. Although he has scored only seven goals since the beginning of 2026 and hasn’t been at his peak, he is undeniably a special player. Nonetheless, I understand the reasoning behind the decision. Whenever I hear Tuchel discuss it, he articulates clearly the type of player he seeks.
Additionally, he will have aimed to create a squad capable of handling set pieces effectively, which will be a significant element of the tournament. He has assembled a wealth of quality in the attacking positions. Ollie Watkins ended the season on a high note, while some may argue Dominic Solanke could have been a contender if fit. Although I don’t think Solanke had a stellar season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also an option, but Ivan Toney is an outstanding finisher.
In tight matches, Toney could deliver that crucial goal, and given the likelihood of many games being decided by penalty shootouts, having a top-tier penalty taker available off the bench during extra time will have been a crucial factor in Tuchel’s considerations. That can be invaluable.
England’s campaign kicks off against Croatia on Wednesday, and I am eagerly anticipating it. It is essential not to underestimate this exceptional coach.
