Thomas Tuchel will lead England into a fresh era as they kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania on March 21, 2025, paving the way for a new chapter in the national team's history. With the added excitement of an expanded World Cup format featuring 48 teams, Tuchel's initial challenge is to secure a spot for the Three Lions.
Taking over from Gareth Southgate after a rocky Euro 2024 campaign, Tuchel's tenure officially began on January 1, 2025, but his first match at the helm will be a significant milestone. England’s group features matches against Albania, Andorra, Latvia, and Serbia, making it essential for the new manager to start strong to maintain fan confidence.
The excitement surrounding the debut is palpable, especially with a revamped squad that includes standout selections like Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Miles Lewis-Skelly. At 32, Burn is looking to make a mark after winning the EFL Cup and bringing his physical style to the pitch for the national team. Tuchel's tactical preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation might benefit from Burn's towering presence, both defensively and offensively.
Joining the squad is also Marcus Rashford, who has returned to form since moving to Aston Villa on loan. Rashford has made contributions on the field that are hard to overlook with four assists in just nine appearances, making him one of the players to watch closely. He'll be looking to cement his role under Tuchel and prove that concerns over his character are unfounded.
Despite being 34 years old and having not worn the England shirt since November 2023, Jordan Henderson’s inclusion has raised eyebrows. However, Tuchel sees Henderson as a crucial player for his experience and leadership skills. “He embodies everything. He is a serial winner, his personality and character… the glue that makes things special,” Tuchel stated, underscoring his belief in Henderson’s ability to impact the squad.
The call-up of Morgan Gibbs-White proves pivotal as well. Initially omitted from the squad, Gibbs-White was brought in after Cole Palmer sustained an injury, and his enthusiasm upon receiving the call was clear. “I felt like I’ve done enough to get the call-up,” he shared, reflecting the competitive spirit within the squad. Gibbs-White's prospects look bright following his impressive performances for Nottingham Forest.
In preparation for the qualifiers, the players’ Whatsapp group buzzed with excitement at Tuchel’s appointment. Seen as a perfectionist and workaholic, the German has made an immediate impact by introducing a clear vision for the team, which was evident during a meeting with the Football Association.
Tuchel’s first task is critical. Alberto Cavas, a die-hard England supporter, expressed the sentiments of many fans: “There should be an angry mob brandishing burning torches and waving pitchforks as they march down Wembley Way if Tuchel doesn’t get England through.” The emphasis is on achieving success and ensuring England qualifies for the expanded World Cup to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
With the upcoming matches, the odds are favorably stacked for England, who are 8/13 to win against Albania without conceding a goal, while Harry Kane stands at 11/4 as a likely first-scorer. The last time Albania visited Wembley, they suffered a 5-0 defeat, a recent performance supporters hope to replicate.
Moreover, as the tournament unfolds, the football community anticipates not just the immediate outcome but the broader implications of having a fresh manager. Tuchel is under pressure; with an 18-month contract, he needs to hit the ground running, and the players’ reactions so far bode well for an encouraging start.
As he faces the media for the first time since his appointment, Tuchel has managed to captivate both players and journalists alike. “I’ve been really impressed with him,” remarked Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, hinting at the harmony that might exist within the squad. The approval of senior players may be a crucial factor that determines the team's performance in upcoming fixtures.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling debut for Tuchel in a fixture that marks the beginning of England's journey in World Cup qualification. Fans, players, and the Football Association will be eagerly watching to see how the new manager orchestrates the talents at his disposal.
Two days after facing Albania, Tuchel's squad will tackle Latvia at Wembley, further testing the new leadership. With the hope of paving a path to World Cup glory, every decision he makes and every performance counts.
