How Has Thomas Tuchel Shaped England’s Tactics Ahead of the World Cup?

 

Thomas Tuchel’s England have played just six games together, with Tuesday’s 5-0 win over Serbia marking their most impressive performance so far. With the World Cup approaching fast, Tuchel faces the challenge of refining his best starting eleven and tactics in a short time.

How Have England Performed Under Tuchel?

England have won all five of their World Cup qualifiers without conceding a goal. Their only setback was a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal, despite fielding a strong side. While the record is impressive, fans felt the team lacked dominance until the Serbia game, where Tuchel’s tactical principles became clearer and more effective.

                           

What Tactical Formations Has Tuchel Used?

England have mainly played in a 4-4-1-1 formation but shift between shapes during build-up, including 2-3-5, 3-2-5, and even 2-1-7. Full-backs play a key role in these transitions:

• 3-2-5: One full-back joins the two centre-backs to help build around opposition presses.
• 2-3-5: Both full-backs push wide around a defensive midfielder, freeing a central midfielder to advance.

Against Serbia, England used a front-footed build-up with central defenders Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa and midfielder Elliot Anderson shouldering much of the responsibility. Full-backs and Declan Rice frequently changed positions to create overloads.

How Does England Use Width and Progress the Ball?

Reece James and Noni Madueke stayed wide to stretch Serbia’s defense, forcing them to commit extra players to the flanks. This “double width” tactic either stretched Serbia’s midfield or allowed England to progress easily down the wings.

How Is Harry Kane Utilized in Tuchel’s System?

Harry Kane often drops deep to collect the ball, similar to his role under Gareth Southgate. This movement drags opposition defenders out of position, creating space for teammates like Madueke, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers to make runs into gaps. Tuchel emphasizes off-the-ball runs to stretch defenses and open goal-scoring opportunities.