Bad news for Trent Alexander-Arnold, lifeline for Chelsea star? How England could line-up at 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel

Today at 01:09 PM

Thomas Tuchel is the new England manager and that could mean a huge shake-up for players in and around the Three Lions squad.

The former Chelsea boss will take the reins in January with the sole focus of qualifying and winning the 2026 World Cup.

England's most recent take on the 'golden generation' has mustered up consecutive European Championship final defeats and a World Cup quarter-final exit in Qatar two years ago.

After a successful run under Gareth Southgate that unfortunately did not see the national team lift any silverware, The FA are hoping they have now found the man to get this talented group over the line.

The German tactician has brought success to Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, but his greatest and most daunting task awaits with the Three Lions.

He takes hold of the baton from interim boss Lee Carsley knowing he has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

Tuchel may opt to look outside of England’s current sphere, which could spell good news for fringe players, those deemed surplus to requirements and four of his former players.

Having already worked with England outcasts such as Eric Dier, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount and Reece James, the door could again be open for the quartet who may have thought their international days were a distant memory.

The 51-year-old's tactical approach could also spring a few selection surprises en route to the finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

Tuchel imposes a refreshing tactical philosophy and one that will certainly please the anti-tiki-taka mob.

It remains to be seen which option Tuchel takes with England, with his tried and tested method of three centre-backs and two wing-backs which guided Chelsea to Champions League glory a possibility.

He led Paris Saint-Germain to a domestic quadruple and a Champions League final adopting a 4-3-3 formation while his stint at Dortmund saw him favour a 4-2-3-1.

More recently, Tuchel led Bayern Munich to Bundesliga glory playing a 4-2-3-1, often switching in-game to a 4-1-4-1 allowing his side to dominate the midfield by accommodating his big hitters in central areas.

Much will depend on the players Tuchel has at his disposal but, assuming he has a full bill of health upon arriving at the World Cup, the incoming England boss is likely to favour a flexible 4-2-3-1.

We look at how England could line up under Tuchel at the World Cup and what it could mean for those on the fringes of the squad.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

The current undisputed No.1 has appeared shaky of late but, as things stand, there is little evidence that his understudies are primed for his spot. Pickford remains a leader in the dressing room and rarely puts a foot (or a hand) wrong on the biggest stage.

Right-back: Reece James

The Chelsea captain has endured a nightmare two years with injury but the appointment of his former boss Tuchel might just be the trigger that opens the door to an international return.

James has not been the same player since Tuchel's exit from Stamford Bridge and the German could view a fit James as the long-term successor to Kyle Walker, whilst also favouring him over Trent Alexander-Arnold.

During his time as Chelsea manager, Tuchel told reporters: “I would always call Reece [James] up no matter what, if I was the head coach of the English team.”

Centre-back: Marc Guehi

The Crystal Palace star was arguably England's top performer at Euro 2024 and has continued his fine form during the recent Nations League ties. Guehi has shown he is the man for the big occasion and Tuchel could look to build his backline around the talented 24-year-old.

Centre-back: John Stones

Stones has been Mr Reliable for both England and Manchester City and the 30-year-old has plenty of top-level football left in him. The linchpin of the Three Lions’ backline, with the ability to carry the ball out of the back and turn defence into attack, Stones is in the process of building an intriguing partnership with Guehi that could easily see England through the next two major tournaments.

Left-back: Rico Lewis

England’s struggles at left-back are well documented, so could the young Man City right-back be the long-term solution. Although he plays on the opposite side at club level, the 19-year-old is versatile enough to play on the left. With Luke Shaw's ongoing injury problems, the 19-year-old has the opportunity to cement his place as a starter under Tuchel.

Centre midfield: Declan Rice

The Arsenal star could be Tuchel's equivalent to Leon Goretska at Bayern – a towering, physical presence with the capability to dictate a game. Rice offers Tuchel energy, passion and a fine reading of the game that any international coach would want to build a successful team around, and the German coach could also improve Rice’s game.

Centre Midfield: Cole Palmer

Although Palmer was still at Man City at the time of Tuchel's stint as Chelsea boss, the German will know all about the 22-year-old's qualities. Similarly to former player Jamal Musiala, Palmer’s playmaking traits and pinpoint finishing will be critical to England's hopes.

Left wing: Phil Foden

Tuchel will be keen for Foden to replicate his club form at international level, having come under fire for below-par displays in the past 12 months.

Foden is likely to drift into central areas under Tuchel to utilise pockets of space to hurt opposition defences as he does under Pep Guardiola.

Attacking midfield: Jude Bellingham

Every manager needs a match winner and in Bellingham, Tuchel knows he has a player primed for the grandest stage. The Real Madrid star has shown his ability to drag England out of the mire at times but also to provide energy, tenacity and assists. A shoe-in for the German.

Right wing: Bukayo Saka

England's quiet golden boy is likely to be a favourite for Tuchel who will love the star's positivity with the ball. Like Bellingham, Saka knows how to produce a moment of magic when needed and provides a cool head in tense times.

Striker: Harry Kane

Tuchel was the man that brought Kane to Bayern Munich and the pair still share a healthy and wholesome relationship. Kane's international performances have slipped in recent months, however the appointment of Tuchel could be the spark needed to get England's all-time leading scorer firing again.