Alright, let’s be real. Thomas Tuchel’s England era has started two games, two wins. On paper? Perfect. On the pitch? Meh.
Beating Albania and Latvia (140th in the world!) should’ve been a walk in the park. And while it was, it felt more like a lazy Sunday stroll than the high-octane, Premier League-style football Tuchel promised.
Yes, he’s trying to inject identity and tempo into this team. But with players only linking up for a few days here and there? That’s a nightmare for any coach.
Tuchel needs more time, and tough friendlies—fast. Because let’s face it, the World Cup in the heat of America isn’t going to be won by slow possession football. England passed the ball around like they were on mute. We need urgency, verticality, and a proper midfield conductor.
Speaking of midfield, let’s talk Jude Bellingham. Massive talent. Massive future. But right now? A bit all over the place. Against Latvia, he looked like he was trying to do everything, and ended up nearly getting himself sent off.
Tuchel needs the killer version of Jude the one who diced up Albania with that delicious assist for Myles Lewis-Skelly not the hot-headed one.
Defensively? It’s a puzzle. Reece James scored a peach of a free-kick, but is he back to full fitness? Dan Burn looked shaky, and Tuchel’s still not sure about Guéhi. Even Pickford and Guéhi had a bit of a mix-up. It’s not settled and for a team with World Cup ambitions, that’s worrying.
Wingers? Quiet. Foden, Rashford, Bowen… all subdued. Defenders sitting deep doesn’t help, but Tuchel still wanted more fire. Saka’s absence was obvious. Eze’s cameo was exciting.
Morgan Rogers showed spark. And yes Grealish and Madueke are knocking on the door again. Oh, and remember the name Ethan Nwaneri.
Now here’s where it gets spicy. England’s midfield still lacks that one player who connects the back to the front at pace. That guy who can thread the needle under pressure.
Enter: Adam Wharton. He’s not your 95%-pass-completion merchant. He plays risky, forward-thinking balls. That’s what England need. Throw in Elliot Anderson too he’s coming.
Bottom line: Tuchel’s got ideas. He’s got energy. He’s got a squad bursting with talent. But right now? It’s all still simmering. He needs time, better opposition, and to solve the midfield puzzle. Otherwise, the World Cup might come too soon.
Still… if he gets it right? This team could be terrifying.
