England's football team completed a perfect start to their World Cup qualifiers under the new leadership of Thomas Tuchel, who has indicated strong ambitions for his tenure. Following a 2-0 victory over Albania on March 21, 2025, England continued their form by beating Latvia 3-0. This opening window not only showcases Tuchel's coaching prowess but also sets the stage for future challenges as the team prepares for the World Cup.
Tuchel made it clear that he intends to install an attacking and vibrant style of play that mirrors the Premier League's dynamism. Against Albania, England found themselves struggling against a low block in the first half but broke through with their quality. However, it was in the match against Latvia on March 25, when the team launched close to 60 attacks, they truly illustrated Tuchel's principles. They pinned the Latvian team back into their half, frequently creating opportunities with a barrage of crosses and threatening set-pieces, revealing the early signs of Tuchel's vision for a more aggressive offense.
Equally important for Tuchel is fostering a cohesive team spirit, which he categorized as building a "brotherhood" among his players. Training sessions were reported to be lively, with high morale evident both off and on the pitch. Tuchel emphasized the importance of interactions during matches, which became apparent as players united in goal celebrations and extended camaraderie throughout both matches.
Highlighting individual performances, Myles Lewis-Skelly emerged as a significant revelation under Tuchel's regime. Just six months ago, the defender hadn't even made his debut in the Premier League, but now he stands as a likely first choice for the left-back position. Although competition comes from Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Lewis-Skelly has taken the chances presented to him with both hands, contributing positively in both qualifiers.
Harry Kane continues to be the backbone of England's attacking force. After a somewhat questioning European Championship where his position was debated, Kane reasserted his dominance by scoring against both Albania and Latvia, bringing his total tally to an impressive 71 international goals. His dual-threat capability—combining scoring ability with creative play—underlines his essential role in England's campaign moving forward.
While Tuchel's attacking plans utilize wingers to exploit defenses and drive forward, none of the players auditioning for these roles in the recent qualifiers fully grasped the opportunity to claim a starting position. Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen played significant minutes yet failed to produce goal contributions, while Phil Foden was dropped after just one game. In contrast, the potential return of Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer from injury could offer fresh competition for those positions.
In the shadows of Tuchel's positives is Jarrad Branthwaite, who is currently at a career crossroads. The Everton defender made waves following his performance during the previous seasons, earning 19 clean sheets over two seasons. However, he has received limited recognition at the international level, being notably snubbed from the squad by Tuchel, which has raised questions about his future with the national team.
Branthwaite previously debuted for England in June 2024 against Bosnia but has since been overlooked, leading many to speculate on his next steps. Despite being prioritized by top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United—who had seen multiple bids rejected by Everton—his exclusion from the senior team depth chart indicates a struggle for a place. Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Spurs are said to be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old; their potential interest illustrates the recognition of his talent.
On the matter of Branthwaite's omission, West Ham manager David Moyes expressed his surprise, asserting that based on recent performances, Branthwaite deserves selection. “I don’t pick the England squad… but if you’re looking at the last six or seven weeks, Jarrad Branthwaite would be up there playing as well as any English centre-half in the country,” Moyes remarked. He suggested Branthwaite prove his worth again at the U21 level, with hopes that this pathway could lead back to the senior squad.
With Tuchel setting the groundwork for a successful era, the mood in the England camp is positive. The next few key qualifiers will be critical in determining how players like Kane and Lewis-Skelly can perform under pressure while simultaneously addressing the needs of standout players like Branthwaite. Each match is not just a chance to secure points, but also an opportunity for individuals to showcase their growth and adaptability in the face of evolving team dynamics.
