The 2026 World Cup has come and gone, leaving England with a bitter taste in their mouth. Despite reaching the semi-finals, the team's performance against Argentina was a tactical misstep that left many questions unanswered. As Thomas Tuchel navigates the aftermath, the focus now shifts to Euro 2028 and the challenges that lie ahead.
One of the most pressing issues is the future of Harry Kane. The captain and top striker, who scored six goals at the World Cup, is approaching his 33rd birthday. While he is likely to be around for Euro 2028, the question of who will start up front if Kane is not available is a concern. Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney have all been tried, but none have proven to be a reliable understudy. The lack of a clear Plan B is a significant issue, and Tuchel must find a solution before the tournament.
Another area of concern is the midfield. Kobbie Mainoo, the Manchester United midfielder, was left on the bench throughout the tournament, raising questions about Tuchel's confidence in him. With Adam Wharton and Alex Scott waiting in the wings, Tuchel needs to find a player he can trust to provide rotation options at the base of midfield. Otherwise, he will be forced to rely on defenders as a sticking plaster, which is not a sustainable solution.
The goalkeeper position is also a concern. Jordan Pickford will be 34 by the time Euro 2028 rolls around, and the search for his long-term successor, James Trafford, needs to start now. Trafford has yet to play regularly, and England urgently needs him to step up and take over the reins.
Tuchel's tactical approach has also come under scrutiny. The coach's decision to strip the team of its attacking outlets and rely on a defensive mindset has been questioned. The performance against Argentina, in particular, was a stark contrast to the team's dominant attacking football against Croatia. The players' trust in Tuchel may also be an issue, as they seemed to lose their way after taking the lead.
In conclusion, England has a lot of work to do to be competitive at Euro 2028. Tuchel must find solutions to the issues outlined above, and quickly. The future of the team is at stake, and the pressure is on to rebuild and regroup. While the FA retains its confidence in Tuchel, the coach must swallow the criticism and prove that he can lead England to success. Only time will tell if he can rise to the challenge and deliver the results that the team and its fans deserve.
