As the countdown to the 2026 World Championship match intensifies, with under a year to go, the clock is truly ticking for Thomas Tuchel’s leadership of the English squad.
The Football Association selected the prior manager of Chelsea and Bayern Munich in October of last year. The German coach agreed to a deal lasting 18 months, beginning in 2025 and extending through the subsequent summer’s international tournament in North America.
Regarding anticipations, Tuchel’s objective couldn’t be much clearer: to emerge victorious. However, Teddy Sheringham, a former striker for the Three Lions, is concerned that the 51-year-old doesn’t have enough time.
Sheringham on the Magnitude of the Challenge Before Tuchel
“He’s still getting acquainted with the squad, the English mindset, the media, and their approach to the team,” Teddy Sheringham, a former England attacker, shared with FourFourTwo. “It’s a vastly different scenario compared to when Gareth Southgate assumed control during a particularly challenging time.”
“Currently, we have elevated expectations because Gareth successfully rebuilt them, guiding us to a couple of finals and semi-finals.”
“The expectations for Tuchel are clear: ‘How will you enhance our performance further and secure the win?’ The pressure has been immense from the start.”
“Consequently, any lackluster performances, such as those in the past two or three matches, evoke a highly unfavorable response from across the nation. This sentiment is shared not only by reporters but also by supporters.”
“People anticipated Tuchel’s arrival would transform us into a consistently captivating, free-flowing football team for the entire 90 minutes of every game.”
“He faces a formidable challenge in preserving Southgate’s accomplishments, incorporating his distinct playing style, and propelling the team past the final obstacle to claim a trophy, all within a two-year timeframe.”
“Maintaining morale and consistency, while also adding that extra element for the 2026 event to transform us from contenders into champions, will not be straightforward.”
Tuchel and the Three Lions will next face Andorra and Serbia in a World Championship qualifying double-header in September.
