Thomas Tuchel wastes no time making his mark as England’s manager

Thomas Tuchel wasted no time making his mark as England’s new head coach, introducing a significant shake-up to the training regime at St. George’s Park.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss welcomed his first squad on Monday, and players were immediately met with a major change: training sessions now take place in the afternoon, a departure from Gareth Southgate’s morning routines.

Tuchel’s rationale is rooted in preparation for evening kick-offs. By training later in the day, players’ bodies adjust to performing at peak levels during match times. According to reports, Tuchel also plans to use the mornings for team meetings and one-on-one sessions, ensuring a more tailored approach to player development and tactical discussions.

With the Three Lions’ first World Cup qualifiers just days away, Tuchel is keen to make every minute count. Wembley Stadium is already sold out for the clash against Latvia on March 21, and the following game is close to a full house.

Tuchel vs. Southgate: A different approach

While Southgate revitalised England’s national team during his tenure, Tuchel brings a distinct, no-nonsense style that could be the key to turning potential into silverware.

Gareth Southgate’s legacy is undeniable. He led England to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals - the closest the nation has come to glory since Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 triumph. But his inability to adapt in critical moments or deploy a decisive “Plan B” ultimately cost England on the biggest stage.

As a fan of Southgate, I was disappointed to see him depart without a trophy. Yet even his staunchest supporters would admit tactical errors played a role in those near-misses.

Tuchel, however, is a different breed of manager. Known for his meticulous preparation and adaptability, he’s unafraid to make bold decisions - including benching star players if it serves the team’s needs. That ruthlessness, paired with his organisational expertise, could be the missing ingredient in England’s pursuit of major tournament success.

Having said that, Tuchel’s arrival has sparked cautious optimism, tempered by the unexpected inclusion of Jordan Henderson in the squad - a decision that feels more like a nod to the past than the dawn of a bold new era.

With an 18-month contract in place, Tuchel’s tenure will lead England into the 2026 World Cup - a tournament where the Three Lions are certain to be among the favourites. Armed with a squad brimming with world-class talents such as Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka, Tuchel has the raw materials to achieve something truly special.

The real challenge lies in whether he can mould this gifted group into a cohesive, disciplined unit while delivering the tactical sharpness needed to finally cross the finish line as champions.