Can Tuchel’s England bridge the gap to football’s elite?

Thomas Tuchel’s task as England manager is both straightforward in principle and daunting in practice: create a team capable of beating the best in the world.

But as the early days of his tenure unfold, he faces the paradox of preparing for elite opponents while testing his methods against far weaker sides.

Tuchel’s first two games in charge - a routine 2-0 victory over Albania and a similarly comfortable 3-0 win against Latvia at Wembley - offered little insight into his ability to achieve the ultimate goal of winning next year’s World Cup.

While these matches were far from perfect, they showcased glimpses of what Tuchel envisions for England as they build toward next summer's showpiece.

For now, Tuchel must work within the constraints of routine qualifiers, where England’s superiority is rarely in doubt. The challenge lies in transforming a team that has historically dominated lesser opposition into one capable of overcoming football’s true powerhouses - a hurdle that has repeatedly proven insurmountable in recent tournaments.

One notable feature of Tuchel’s England is the tactical fluidity he seeks to instil. Against Latvia, Myles Lewis-Skelly operated as an inverted full-back, stepping into midfield to bolster possession and allow Jude Bellingham to push higher up the pitch. This approach created a front five brimming with attacking talent, though it often fell short of maximizing its potential.

Bellingham, a driving force against Albania, was less effective in the second game, finding himself both frustrated and frustrating. A rash challenge nearly led to his dismissal before Tuchel substituted him, and his replacement, Phil Foden, entered to immediate effect. While Foden’s arrival coincided with a sharper attacking edge, the change was more a reflection of Latvia’s fatigue than a tactical masterstroke.

Eberechi Eze, another substitute, provided a late spark with his quick feet and creativity, setting up England’s third goal. Players like Eze, Lewis-Skelly, and Morgan Rogers embody the points of difference Tuchel is seeking - qualities that could prove decisive against top-tier opponents.

Lewis-Skelly’s assured performance in the hybrid full-back-midfielder role was a standout moment, demonstrating the young player’s composure and technical ability. Meanwhile, Reece James, deployed in a more traditional role, delivered a stunning free-kick to open the scoring - a reminder of the depth and quality available in England’s ranks.

Tuchel’s early selections and tactical tweaks suggest a willingness to make bold decisions, a departure from Gareth Southgate’s often conservative approach. This could prove crucial in high-pressure games where adaptability and risk-taking are essential.

Tuchel’s appointment has already signalled a shift in England’s approach, trading Southgate’s steady progress for a more dynamic, tactically astute philosophy. Southgate’s tenure revived England’s fortunes, taking them to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals. However, his inability to adapt in critical moments left the team just short of glory.

Tuchel brings a different mentality. Known for his no-nonsense approach and willingness to make tough calls, he has the potential to extract the best from a squad brimming with talent. Players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham have the quality to challenge the world’s best, and under Tuchel’s guidance, they could find the tactical edge needed to succeed on the biggest stage.

While the opposition so far has been far from formidable, the foundations are being laid for a team that can finally end England’s 60-year wait for major international success. The real tests will come soon enough, and Tuchel appears determined to ensure England are ready when they do.