Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squad since the World Cup, but questions linger over whether the head coach has truly absorbed the lessons of the tournament, particularly the manner of the semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta.
Unveiling his 26-man group for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, Tuchel suggested the wider mood among supporters was far more forgiving than critics might expect. He claimed that 99.9% of fans he had encountered since the tournament preferred to reflect on the positives, such as the knockout victories over Mexico and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rather than dwell on his substitutions against Argentina. Speaking at Wembley, Tuchel also referenced the bronze-medal win over France, insisting that result should shape the ongoing narrative around his side.
However, there remains a sense that a significant portion of the fanbase has not moved past England's collapse after taking a 1-0 lead early in the second half against Argentina, a game in which Tuchel's defensive changes drew heavy criticism. He acknowledged with humour that FA officials had also questioned those tactical decisions, though he shifted focus toward what he views as a more encouraging path forward.
The squad itself reflects both continuity and change. Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have all been omitted following their involvement in the World Cup squad, while Tuchel indicated that injuries to several key players — including Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, John Stones, Reece James, Djed Spence and Jordan Henderson — forced adjustments that opened the door for a younger core.
One of the more notable inclusions is Trent Alexander-Arnold, recalled despite not featuring for England since June 2025 and having endured an inconsistent spell at Real Madrid under José Mourinho. Tuchel clarified he does not envision using the defender in a midfield role, stating that earning selection must now translate into performances on the pitch.
Elsewhere, Kobbie Mainoo returns to the fold despite not receiving any minutes at the World Cup, an omission Tuchel has since described as worth revisiting. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alex Scott, both in strong domestic form last season, have also been included, while Adam Wharton remains outside Tuchel's plans.
In attack, Cole Palmer's selection over Madueke signals a willingness from Tuchel to diversify his attacking options after fielding largely similar profiles in each position throughout the World Cup. Jarrad Branthwaite has also pushed ahead of Levi Colwill in central defence, while Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha and Chelsea's Lewis Hall represent the squad's younger contingent.
Tactically, Tuchel continues to grapple with finding an identity for this England side. He has previously stated that maintaining possession is not part of England's inherent style, instead expressing a preference to "embrace the chaos" that characterized parts of their opening World Cup win over Croatia. Yet critics argue that England have often found themselves caught between neither the composed, possession-based approach of elite international sides nor the high-intensity directness associated with the Premier League.
With Declan Rice tiring in the Argentina defeat and few midfield alternatives introduced at the time, questions remain over whether Tuchel's setup contributed to England's retreat into a cautious 5-4-1 shape. As his side prepares to open its Nations League campaign at home to Spain, attention will turn to whether the manager can translate his stated optimism into tangible tactical solutions.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.