England is set to embark on a new chapter as they kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign under Thomas Tuchel on Friday night, March 21, 2025. The Three Lions will host Albania at Wembley Stadium, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a successful era under the former PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich coach. With the nation’s eyes glued to television screens, Tuchel’s team selection is generating intense speculation.
As he introduces his vision for the team, Tuchel appears poised to blend experience with youthful dynamism in his inaugural squad. The expectation is that he will field a solid, tactical lineup that reflects his coaching philosophy. It has been reported that England could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would showcase both seasoned players and emerging talents.
Among the anticipated starters is goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who remains England's first-choice netminder, a fact that Tuchel seems unlikely to overlook. Reece James, benefiting from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, is expected to step in at right-back, having forged a strong relationship with Tuchel during their time at Chelsea.
Defensively, Tuchel will likely rely on Marc Guehi and Levi Colwill as central defenders. Guehi, who once made his way from Chelsea to Crystal Palace, has developed into a key player for England, while Colwill is filling in for the injured Harry Maguire.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, an 18-year-old left-back, could earn his first cap, indicating Tuchel’s willingness to promote youth into a squad that is in transition. In midfield, the experienced Jordan Henderson and the consistently impressive Declan Rice are tipped to anchor the team.
On the wings, Tuchel is set to position Phil Foden, albeit in less-than-ideal form, on the right and unleash Marcus Rashford on the left after his recent loan move to Aston Villa. The playmaking duties will likely fall to Jude Bellingham, who has stepped up in the absence of the injured Cole Palmer.
Leading the charge as the main striker will be the ever-dependable Harry Kane, who boasts an impressive tally of 32 goals in 39 appearances this season. Tuchel’s knowledge of Kane’s prowess will be a critical asset as England looks to secure their first victory under his guidance.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Tuchel's debut, there are questions regarding his tactical choices. Historically, during his tenure in the Premier League, Tuchel favored a three-centre-back formation, yet indications suggest he may shift to a back four for this match. During his time at Chelsea, he predominantly employed a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 setup, a strategy he used in 87 percent of his matches.
The tactical switch to a flat back four aligns with the current strengths and weaknesses of the England squad. Historically, England has grappled with depth in top-class centre-backs, presenting Tuchel a challenge when considering his options. In lieu of a natural left-back, Lewis-Skelly makes his inclusion even more telling.
Tuchel's philosophy remains clearly defined throughout his managerial career, opting for a flat back four 75 percent of the time across his 426 league games. The lack of specialist wing-backs in the current England setup could further push Tuchel towards a back four, which would allow for a balanced midfield to leverage England’s attacking power.
The midfield trio of Henderson, Rice, and Bellingham would provide a strong core, allowing wingers like Foden and Rashford to exploit defenses and minimize any potential sacrifices that come with fielding a back three.
Moreover, England's talent on the flanks, notably with players such as Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Foden, affirms Tuchel’s inclination to prioritize his squad's strengths. An attack featuring these young talents creates a thrilling prospect for fans, especially considering England’s historical offensive flair.
As he prepares for this new chapter, Tuchel will be mindful of balancing the responsibilities that lie ahead. Given the nation’s high hopes, the pressure will be on him to deliver results that align with the ambitions held for the England team.
The kickoff at Wembley will mark not just a match but a statement about the kind of football England aims to produce under Tuchel’s stewardship. With qualification for the 2026 World Cup at stake, all eyes will be on the pitch to witness how the new manager will shape the future of English football.
