Incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel has the potential to lead the team to World Cup glory in 2026, but getting the right balance in the squad will be crucial, according to interim coach Lee Carsley.
Carsley’s short tenure ended on a high note with England’s 5-0 win over Ireland on Sunday, securing their promotion to the Nations League’s top division.
Tuchel, a German coach with experience at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, was appointed as England’s new manager last month. He will officially take charge in January.
England’s previous manager, Gareth Southgate, guided the team to a World Cup semifinal in 2018. However, Carsley believes Tuchel has what it takes to go all the way in the 2026 tournament in North America.
The national team hasn’t lifted the World Cup trophy since 1966 or won any other major tournament since then.
“I think we’re in a great position to win it,” Carsley told British media. “We’ve got the talent and the tools to make it happen. The key will be timing – having players at their peak physically and mentally and choosing the right squad.”
He emphasized that achieving success will depend on finding the right balance and using the team’s strengths effectively.
During his stint, Carsley returned to his role as under-21 manager after giving opportunities to eight new players, including Curtis Jones and Noni Madueke.
