Thomas Tuchel and England: Could the German Coach Win the World Cup Unloved? 

England fans have been singing the famous Lightning Seeds song with a bit more optimism than blind hope and faith over the last decade, with the men’s team reaching a World Cup Semi Final and two European Championship finals, all without getting over the line and winning the trophy (they should look to the Lionesses for inspiration on how to win an international tournament).

This article will look at the recent furore around the England Manager’s comments about a poor atmosphere after England’s 3-0 friendly home win against Wales, and the impact this might have on the relationship between the England team and its fans. It will also explore the famous online football predictor game by Noise that is coming back bigger and better than ever before for the 2026 edition of the famous tournament.

What did Thomas Tuchel say after the England v Wales friendly?

After the England 3-0 Wales friendly at Wembley this October, the England Men’s head coach Thomas Tuchel was scathing of the lack of atmosphere from the home fans. As England stroll to qualification for the World Cup next year (as always), it’s an interesting dynamic, especially as he is the first German coach to manage England and that would naturally cause some friction with certain elements of the English fanbase.

Tuchel said:

“We could have been 5-0 up at half-time. We couldn’t score the fourth and fifth ones. The stadium was silent. We didn’t get any energy back from the stands. We did everything to win.

“What more can you give in 20 minutes? We didn’t let them escape. If you hear just Wales fans for half an hour, it’s sad because the team deserved more support today.

“I stand by this statement. We cannot do more than being 3-0 in a derby. I would have wished for a bit more support in phases where it gets difficult.

“In the second half to get behind us, there was a bit too much support for Wales. It could have helped us to regain energy, but it is what it is and that is it.”

The case for Tuchel – a world class manager for a World Cup victory?

He's a proven elite level manager, winning the European Cup with Chelsea and managing some of the best football clubs on the planet and the egos in the dressing room that come with that. He knows how to win, but so far with England it hasn’t been plain sailing in the style of football and whether fans actually like what they see on the pitch.

With an easy qualifying group where England haven’t dropped any points or conceded any goals, it’s hard to see where the challenge is before the World Cup next year. Combining one of the best football coaches around with one of the favourite nations for the entire tournament should mean England have a great chance of winning the whole thing again finally, but if they do will Thomas Tuchel remain unloved?

FAQs

Q: Could Tuchel really win the World Cup with England?

A: England are certainly one of the favourites to go all the way in the World Cup. The squad depth is up there with the best in the world. There are world class talents playing at the biggest clubs in the world, like Harry Kane at Bayern Munich and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. They have reached the last two European Championship finals, and Tuchel himself is a European Cup winning coach.

Q: Has a foreign manager ever won the World Cup with England?

A: No. Not only has no foreign manager ever won the World Cup with England (only Sir Alf Ramsey has won the World Cup as England manager, at the home World Cup in 1966), but no manager has ever won the World Cup managing a country other than his own.

Q: What tactical style does Thomas Tuchel play?

A: Thomas Tuchel came through the ranks following a high gegenpressing tactical system that had been successfully implemented at both Mainz and Borussia Dortmund by Jurgen Klopp and followed him at both those clubs to great success. Tuchel is tactically flexible however, pressing high and strangling the opposition when required, playing 3 or 4 at the back, and controlling possession at times. He’s also pragmatic, knowing how to be flexible when managing the egos of some of the biggest football stars due to his time managing and winning at elite clubs.

Q: Can I get involved with a World Cup predictor game next summer?

A: Why not take control of your own destiny next summer and add a bit of spice to the workplace with our incredible World Cup football predictor?

Once the World Cup draw has been completed and the groups and fixtures are announced, eyes turn to the tournament itself to see who will come out on top at this bumper tournament of football.

How does the football prediction game work?

The Noise World Cup Football predictor game is a lot of fun. All you need to do is predict the correct score of each match, the winners of each knockout round and all the way through to the finalists and winner. If you’re new to it, you can learn how to play here. Pit yourself against your friends, your colleagues, have inter-work rivalries and leagues, collect points, and win bonuses. It’s an incredible way to have fun in the workplace while watching the beautiful game.

Request a demonstration of the World Cup football predictor for business! It will transform your summer as you look to foster team building and morale while having fun watching the largest sporting event in the world in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.