England Dreams of Breaking the 60-Year Curse in the World Cup

The England national team enters the 2026 World Cup with high hopes of ending a 60-year wait for a second global title. After a perfect qualifying campaign with eight wins from eight matches, scoring 22 goals without conceding any, German coach Thomas Tuchel is looking to lead the "Three Lions" to global glory, asserting since taking over that his goal is to "add a second star to the English jersey."

Despite some setbacks during the preparation period, Tuchel succeeded in leaving his mark on the team through bold decisions in selecting the squad, excluding prominent names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Alexander-Arnold, in favor of relying on other players he sees as more in tune with his project. The team is expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, taking advantage of the abundance of attacking talents and the presence of the distinguished midfielder Declan Rice, despite ongoing defensive and physical concerns.

The preparation period was not ideal, as the team faced some criticism after modest performances against Andorra and Senegal, but the team also delivered strong matches that showed its development. Tuchel is focusing on building a strong team spirit within the camp, believing that success begins with creating a unified environment among the players. He also made bold decisions by excluding big names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, in favor of calling up Ivan Toney.

Appointing a German coach to lead the England national team might seem unusual to some, but Thomas Tuchel has a deep understanding of English culture and is considered one of the world's top coaches. He has previously won the league with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, and led Chelsea to victory in the UEFA Champions League in 2021, enhancing his reputation as an expert in knockout competitions.

However, this tournament represents his first experience at the national team level. While Gareth Southgate is known for his ability to create a positive atmosphere during major tournaments, the challenge for Tuchel remains to maintain the group's stability and handle the immense pressures associated with representing England in the World Cup.

Harry Kane, the team captain and its all-time top scorer, remains the primary source of inspiration for the team. After questions arose about his international future following the Euro 2024 final against Spain, the veteran striker returned to reaffirm his significant importance.

Kane suffered from physical issues during that tournament, but he remains the most influential player in the offensive system. The coaching staff believes that England's chances of competing for the title are directly linked to their captain's performance and readiness. Additionally, his brilliance in the World Cup could make him one of the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or.

Despite the abundance of playmakers in the national team, Morgan Rogers emerged as one of the players who impressed Tuchel the most. The Aston Villa star caught attention during the significant 5-0 victory over Serbia last September, thanks to his high energy and contributions both offensively and defensively.

Tuchel admires Rodgers' ability to counter-press and quickly recover the ball, which has placed him ahead of prominent names like Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze at certain times. The young player asserts that he still maintains the mindset of a child who loves to freely express himself on the field.

For many years, the constant question was: who will partner with Declan Rice in the midfield? After Kalvin Phillips faded from the picture, Tuchel found the answer in Elliot Anderson.

The Nottingham Forest player has continued his remarkable development since his first appearance with the national team last September, becoming an indispensable key player. Before the tournament began, his club rejected a massive offer from Manchester City worth £122 million, a clear indication of his significant technical value.

Tuchel said about Anderson: "He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. That's why he plays with us primarily. He is a well-rounded player and brings great energy to the field."