ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, reacts during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 20, 2025, in Enfield, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
As the England national football team gears up for a new chapter, it embarks on its World Cup qualifying journey against Albania this evening at Wembley Stadium. Under the leadership of their new head coach Thomas Tuchel, this campaign marks not just the beginning of qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but could also signify a cultural shift in English football.
On March 21, 2025, Tuchel announced his final squad for the match, cut down from an initial 26 players to the UEFA-mandated 23. Notably absent from the lineup are Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarell Quansah, and Aaron Ramsdale. Gibbs-White, who made a late addition to the squad after Cole Palmer withdrew due to injury, has found himself sidelined yet again, raising eyebrows among fans eager to see his talents recognized after a stellar season with Nottingham Forest.
Initially selected among four goalkeepers, Ramsdale did not make the matchday squad, leaving Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and James Trafford to cover the goal posts. Quansah's exclusion comes amid a strong season with Liverpool, where he has made 22 appearances but remains uncapped at the international level.
Tuchel's challenge is monumental. Known for his success in club football with Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League, managing a national team presents unique pressures. Unlike with club management, his time is limited, requiring rapid cohesion and tactical precision from players who only gather sporadically compared to the everyday training of club environments. Tuchel must find a way to build a chemistry that translates into success on the international stage.
"The tradition for the national team is not to win, and we have to maybe accept that once we arrive in America, we may not be the favorites," Tuchel expressed, highlighting the weight of expectations that precedes the team as it heads into the World Cup. His acknowledgment of the underdog narrative aims to shift the pressure away from his players, allowing them to relish the moment rather than fear the consequences of failure.
Combatting historical struggles, England hasn't lifted the World Cup trophy since 1966. Under Gareth Southgate, England reached the semi-finals in 2018 and came close at both Euro 2020 and 2024, showing promise but failing to capitalize when it mattered most. Critics argue that while Southgate fostered a sense of unity among players and fans, tactical shortcomings persisted.
As the match against Albania approaches, the excitement at Wembley is palpable. England's last encounters with Albania ended with dominant victories; notably, a 5-0 win in the World Cup Qualifiers on November 12, 2021. But as Tuchel prepares to lead his squad onto the pitch, the past victories existing in historical contexts only set the stage for this critical moment.
Tuchel's approach diverges from traditional styles, and fans are eager to see if he can infuse a modern high-intensity attacking style that could rejuvenate the national team's identity. "We have a full Wembley, it will be very exciting," he said, candidly admitting he feels nervous before matches—a recurring theme for any coach under such scrutiny.
Under Tuchel, England's playing style may evolve, blending the physicality associated with English football with more technical, possession-based tactics influenced by continental styles. His players, hungry for success, will be prepared to embrace this transformation both on and off the pitch. Yet, this balancing act involves more than tactics; it demands a nurturing of the players' connection with an ever-watchful public.
As kickoff approaches, Tuchel stands at the crossroads of tradition and contemporary expectations. He must not only capitalize on the raw talent of players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden but also cultivate an atmosphere that empowers them to express their best selves, learning lessons from past failures while striving for future triumphs.
This clash against Albania, while significant in its own right, represents the commencement of a long journey filled with challenges. With Tuchel at the helm, there's a renewed sense of hope bubbling beneath the surface. After decades of being burdened by a national identity plagued by underperformance, can Tuchel lead England back to glory?
The stage is set, with live coverage available on ITV, and all eyes will undoubtedly be turned toward an exciting kickoff at 7:45 PM GMT at Wembley. For Tuchel, and the players donning the iconic Three Lions, this match could define a new era in English football.
