Thomas Tuchel’s Background
Thomas Tuchel is renowned around Europe for his tactical genius and innovative coaching style. Born in Krumach, West Germany, in August 1973, Tuchel started his coaching career after a nasty knee injury took him out of playing. Starting with Stuttgart’s youth teams, Tuchel soon rose to prominence at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, where he earned recognition for his visionary approach.
Tuchel’s switch to PSG in 2018 took him to the big stage and he took the team to the UEFA Champions League final in 2020. Since then he has enjoyed time at Chelsea, where he made history winning the 2021 UEFA Champions League, and German giants Bayern Munich. Tuchel was then appointed as England’s head coach on October 16, 2024, making him just the 3rd foreign manager in England’s history.
Tuchel The Tactician
During his tenures at top clubs like Chelsea, PSG and Bayern, Tuchel has managed to showcase his tactical flexibility. He has often got the most out of his squads and his ability to innovate was highlighted by his Champions League success with Chelsea, after only a short period at the club. As England’s manager, expect Tuchel to play dynamic football, prioritising ball possession and adapting quickly to different oppositions. A defining feature of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical philosophy is his intense pressing game, designed to win back possession quickly and transition seamlessly from defence to attack. Tuchel’s preference for versatile players adds an element of unpredictability to the squad.
How Will England Line Up Under Tuchel?
Speculating on the precise lineup Thomas Tuchel will employ as England Manager is undoubtedly intriguing. Tuchel, known for his strategic flexibility, often adapts his formations to best suit his available talent and the specific challenges posed by opponents. However, in recent years he has favoured the 3-4-3 formation which has been increasing in popularity across Europe. This formation not only challenges opponents but might also sparks interest among fans using online sports betting sites, as they try to anticipate Tuchel’s ever-changing tactics and lineups. Tuchel’s dynamic 343 system could potentially leverage England’s strength in wide areas and attacking depth, but who will he start? Let’s take a look at who we’ve predicted below:
GK: Jordan Pickford
While there are several goalkeepers who could challenge Jordan Pickford for his spot, the Everton man is likely to retain his place under Tuchel’s management. Pickford has consistently proven his value, and despite occasional vulnerabilities when playing out from the back, he remains a reliable and experienced presence in goal.
LCB: Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi, with his composed playing style and ability to read the game, is the perfect fit for Tuchel’s tactical system. His performances have continually impressed, making him a promising prospect for England’s defensive line. Guehi’s progressive style of play and calmness under pressure allow him to adapt seamlessly to different tactical demands. He’s not just a defender but also a crucial element in the development of play from the back, contributing both defensively and offensively.
CB: John Stones
John Stones brings a wealth of experience and calmness to England’s defence. Known for his ball-playing abilities, he complements Tuchel’s preference for a tactical, possession-based game plan. Along with his technical ability, Stones also has leadership traits that organise the backline and instil trust in the side. His ability to step up with crucial interventions and poised ball distribution makes him an essential figure in ensuring defensive stability.
RCB: Ezri Konsa
After his breakthrough season, Ezri Konsa has impressed in both an Aston Villa and England shirt. The right-footed defender can play at both CB and RB, making him the perfect fit at RCB in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system.
LM: Luke Shaw
After an injury-filled season, there’s only Luke Shaw’s availability that could prevent him being the perfect player for Tuchel’s system. The Manchester United LB is undoubtedly one of the best in his position when he can stay fit and has always impressed in an England shirt, most noticeably during the Euro 2020 final when he scored in the opening minutes. Luke Shaw’s acceleration and crossing ability could make him an essential part of the attacking transitions under Tuchel.
CDM: Jude Bellingham
Since joining Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in European football. Under Tuchel’s guidance, Bellingham’s role could be transformative for England, with his knack for finding space and delivering incisive forward passes driving the team’s attacking transitions. Sitting in this slightly deeper position could see England get the most out of Bellingham’s skillset.
CDM: Declan Rice
Sitting alongside Bellingham could be Arsenal’s midfielder, Declan Rice. Rice has solidified himself as one of the first names on the England teamsheet in recent years and made the defensive midfield spot his own. Not just content with breaking up opposition play, Rice is also competent in starting attacks with precise and forward-thinking passes. The former West Ham captain is also a seasoned set piece taker, specifically corners, which make him a useful asset to have in the team.
RM: Trent Alexander-Arnold
We can’t discuss set pieces without mentioning Liverpool’s RB, Trent Alexander-Arnold. With his wand of a right foot, Trent’s vision and passing precision from the right flank can provide England with a dynamic attacking option. His ability to unlock defenses with his crosses could play a pivotal role in England’s attacking strategies. Beyond his technical prowess, Alexander-Arnold’s tactical awareness allows him to exploit spaces effectively and support both defensive efforts and offensive breakthroughs.
LAM: Phil Foden
Phil Foden’s creativity, dribbling skills, and agility make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Despite having underperformed on the international stage at times in the past, under Tuchel’s guidance, Foden could flourish with greater freedom to express his attacking talents.
RAM: Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is another player that is likely to flourish under the Tuchel system in England. After transitioning from a LB to a winger, Saka’s ability to be versatile and adapt to different roles could make him a key asset in this system, whether that’s playing in the front three or an outside midfield role. He bridges midfield and attack with his industrious playstyle, enhancing England’s capacity to break down defenses and respond innovatively to challenges.
ST: Kane
Harry Kane remains England’s talismanic striker with an unrivalled goal-scoring record. His intelligent movement and proficiency in finding the net make him an indispensable asset for Tuchel’s England team, as he continues to break records in the Bundesliga. More than just a traditional number nine, Kane’s ability to drop deep and draw defenders out creates space for others while maintaining a threatening presence in the box. In a team full of young players, his experience could be key for Tuchel and England.
One thing is for sure, whoever starts for England, Tuchel and the team will be under immense pressure to finally bring a trophy home in their next international tournament – Namely the Football World Cup 26!
