Nations League results strengthen Tuchel’s long-term England project

Harry Kane marked his record-equalling 125th England appearance with two goals against Czechia, taking his international total to 91 and keeping alive the possibility of challenging Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals record.

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment was initially met with scepticism in parts of the British media, with doubts raised over whether a German coach could understand England’s footballing identity.

The Football Association made its position clear in February by extending Tuchel’s contract through to Euro 2028, which will be held on home soil. The decision showed that he was regarded as a long-term appointment rather than a temporary solution.

England’s Nations League campaign has since provided strong evidence in support of that decision.

A 3-2 defeat by European and world champions Spain at Wembley offered an early test of Tuchel’s approach. Rather than allowing that result to affect the team’s progress, England responded with three consecutive victories in which they scored 12 times and conceded none.

Kane was central to that recovery. His brace against Czechia came as he drew level with Peter Shilton’s record of 125 men’s international appearances. He has scored 13 goals in 2026, the second-highest total by an England player in a single calendar year.

Jude Bellingham has also taken on an increasingly influential role under Tuchel. Given freedom to operate within the manager’s central system, the midfielder delivered an outstanding display in Rijeka during England’s 7-0 win over Croatia.

Bellingham scored once and created three goals in that match, underlining how Tuchel has used his versatility rather than limiting his attacking instincts.

The results have also suggested that England’s progress is based on an adaptable structure, rather than depending solely on individual moments of quality. Tuchel became the fastest England manager to reach 20 wins, doing so in his 26th match.

He has also maintained a tightly controlled environment around the squad at St George’s Park, shielding the players from distractions surrounding domestic football.

That was particularly evident among Manchester City’s England players. While club executives were involved in courtroom proceedings and described independent rulings as a “conspiracy theory”, Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi and late call-up Rico Lewis remained focused on international duty.

Anderson and Guehi started the 3-0 Wembley victory. Anderson controlled the pace of the midfield, while Guehi helped ensure Jordan Pickford did not face a shot on target. Lewis also adapted smoothly to Tuchel’s tactical plan.

The debate over whether a “foreign manager” could lead England now appears increasingly distant. Tuchel’s contract runs until 2028, with his side combining Kane’s scoring, Bellingham’s freedom, Bukayo Saka’s threat and Declan Rice’s strength with the emergence of a promising group of younger players.

If that progress continues, Euro 2028 could offer England the prospect of a successful home tournament after decades of disappointment.