#thomas_tuchel

England to 'Gamble on Corners and Throw-Ins' at World Cup Like Arsenal - Ronald Koeman - ESPN Ronald Koeman has predicted that England will prioritize set-pieces in their World Cup campaign, drawing parallels to Arsenal’s approach in the Premier League. The Dutch coach, who previously played a role in England’s 1994 World Cup elimination, suggested that Thomas Tuchel’s team will rely heavily on corners and throw-ins to navigate the tournament. Koeman, now leading the Netherlands squad, emphasized that these tactics would be crucial in the hot conditions of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Koeman’s comments came as he unveiled his 26-man squad for the tournament, highlighting players familiar with Premier League dynamics. He pointed to Arsenal’s 2023 Premier League season, noting that the team scored 19 goals from corners—a record for a single season. Koeman argued that such tactics would minimize energy expenditure in the tournament’s demanding conditions. "That is how Arsenal became champions. Without the corners, they wouldn't have made it," he said. Tuchel’s England squad has also focused on set-pieces, incorporating aerial threats like Dan Burn and Ivan Toney. The coach has emphasized the importance of specialists for both attacking and defensive set-pieces, stating that the team aims to be a "strong set-piece team" and a reliable penalty unit. Koeman noted that England’s strategy would mirror Arsenal’s, with players like Jurriën Timber, who contributed to Arsenal’s set-piece success, included in the Netherlands squad. The Netherlands squad includes experienced figures such as Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay, alongside emerging talents like Donyell Malen, who has thrived at Roma.#arsenal #england #world_cup #thomas_tuchel #ronald_koeman

England to Call Up Ivan Toney for World Cup Despite Saudi League Stint Ivan Toney is set to be named in England’s World Cup squad for the upcoming tournament, despite his current status as a Saudi Pro League player. The 30-year-old striker, who previously played for Brentford, has scored 32 goals for Al-Ahli this season and is on course to win the Saudi Arabian Golden Boot. His strong performances have earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad, which will be officially announced on Friday. Tuchel included Toney after the player finished runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi Golden Boot last season. The German coach highlighted Toney’s 20-goal tally for his club this season and his significant contribution to the Asian Champions League campaign, though the source does not confirm he won the title. Tuchel also mentioned that he had intended to visit Saudi Arabia but was unable to do so, which influenced his decision to bring Toney into the squad. The inclusion of Toney has sparked mixed reactions from England fans. Several social media comments expressed surprise and skepticism, with some questioning his readiness for the World Cup. Phrases like “Ivan Toney is crazy” and “No f*ing way is Ivan ‘Sunday league’ Toney going to the World Cup” reflect the divided opinions among supporters. Others remarked on the unexpected nature of his selection, with one fan writing, “Ivan Toney in the England squad My eyes are bleeding.” Toney’s inclusion appears to come at the expense of Cole Palmer, the Chelsea midfielder. Palmer, who has struggled with form this season, has been dropped from the squad. The 24-year-old scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this year, a significant drop from his previous season.#england #saudi_pro_league #thomas_tuchel #al_ahli #ivan_toney

England World Cup Squad Announced: Key Players Left Out as Tuchel Finalizes 26-Man Team Thomas Tuchel has finalized the 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup, with several high-profile players left out despite their contributions during the 2025-26 season. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, Manchester City’s Phil Foden, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer are among those excluded, sparking mixed reactions from players and fans. The squad, set to compete across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will begin its campaign on 11 June with a friendly against New Zealand before facing Croatia in the tournament opener on 17 June. Maguire, 33, expressed deep disappointment at being omitted, calling the decision “shocked and gutted.” The veteran defender, who has earned 67 caps for England, emphasized his desire to participate in the World Cup, stating it would be his “last” opportunity after missing the 2024 Euros due to injury. His mother, Zoe Maguire, also voiced her frustration on social media, labeling the decision “disgusted.” Despite his strong form for Manchester United, Maguire’s exclusion has raised questions about Tuchel’s selection priorities, particularly given the competition for defensive spots. Foden and Palmer, both key attacking midfielders, were left out despite their club performances. Foden, 25, has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 32 Premier League games for Manchester City this season, but his inconsistent form and limited minutes in the national team have led to his exclusion. Palmer, 24, has managed nine Premier League goals in 25 appearances for Chelsea, yet his injury-plagued campaign and lack of consistency have prompted Tuchel to opt for alternatives.#manchester_united #harry_maguire #thomas_tuchel #phil_foden #cole_palmer

England Football: Thomas Tuchel Names 55-Man Provisional World Cup Squad Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of the England men’s national team, has submitted his preliminary list of 55 players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The squad includes notable names such as Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The provisional list was submitted ahead of the tournament’s start date on 11 June, with FIFA allowing nations to submit extended squads of 55 players by midnight on 1 May. The Football Association (FA) has not yet officially announced the squad, with plans to release the final 26-player roster on 22 May. Tuchel’s provisional squad includes several players who were excluded from his previous selection for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, including Alexander-Arnold, Shaw, Welbeck, and Scott. These players remain in contention for the final squad, though their inclusion depends on factors such as fitness and tactical considerations. Alexander-Arnold, a key figure in the squad, faces competition for the right-back position, with Chelsea’s Reece James, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, and Arsenal’s Ben White also in the running. Tuchel previously favored Leverkusen’s Jarrell Quansah over Alexander-Arnold for the role, but injuries have complicated the selection process. White, for instance, is a major doubt due to a knee injury sustained in a recent match, while Livramento is unavailable for the World Cup. James, Tuchel’s first-choice right-back, has only recently returned from injury, adding uncertainty to the position. Shaw, who has not played for England since the Euro 2024 final against Spain, could yet earn a recall.#london #fifa_world_cup_2026 #trent_alexander_arnold #thomas_tuchel #england_football

Harry Kane vor CL-Duell mit Real: Genau wegen solcher Spiele ist er zum FC Bayern gewechselt Harry Kane hat sich in den letzten Trainingswochen bei FC Bayern München intensiv auf das Champions-League-Viertelfinale gegen Real Madrid vorbereitet. Der englische Stürmer, der im Sommer 2023 von Tottenham Hotspur zu den Bayern wechselte, sieht in diesem Duell eine Chance, die größten Mannschaftstitel zu gewinnen und sich als weltbeste Fußballer zu etablieren. In der Vorbereitung auf das Spiel zeigte sich, dass Kane in der Mannschaft eine zentrale Rolle spielt, sowohl in der Offensive als auch im Spielaufbau. Die Vorbereitung auf das CL-Duell wurde am Wochenende in Freiburg unterstrichen, als der FC Bayern ohne Kane trainierte. Die Mannschaft musste sich an die Situation gewöhnen, in der der englische Nationalspieler nicht zur Verfügung stand. In der Trainingsaufstellung wurde Serge Gnabry als „Neun“ eingesetzt, da Nicolas Jackson aufgrund einer Roten Karte ausfiel. Allerdings zeigte sich, dass die Planung nicht perfekt umgesetzt wurde. Gnabry stand zwar im Spielaufbau neben Jonathan Tah, doch die Positionen im Angriff wurden anders besetzt. Raphaël Guerreiro, der normalerweise als Innenverteidiger spielt, war stattdessen in der Offensive tätig, während Leon Goretzka und Josip Stanisic in der Offensive agierten. Luis Díaz durchquerte ebenfalls häufig die gefährliche Zone, was auf eine Anpassung der Mannschaft an die Abwesenheit von Kane hindeutet. Kane selbst betont, dass er in solchen Spielen wie dem CL-Duell seine Karriere ausmachen will. „Ich möchte endlich die größten Titel gewinnen – und damit vielleicht sogar zum besten Fußballer der Welt werden“, sagte der 29-Jährige in einem Interview. Seine Ambitionen sind nicht nur sportlich, sondern auch persönlich.#harry_kane #real_madrid #thomas_tuchel #fc_bayern_mnchen #oliver_kahn

Trent Alexander-Arnold Faces Crucial Test Against Luis Diaz in Champions League Clash Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future with England’s World Cup squad hinges on his ability to neutralize Luis Diaz in Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich. The match, set for Tuesday, marks a pivotal moment in the careers of two former Liverpool stars, whose paths diverged after their 2022 transfer to Madrid and Bayern, respectively. Alexander-Arnold, now a key figure at Real, faces mounting pressure to prove his worth both on and off the pitch, while Diaz has emerged as a standout performer in Germany. Their impending collision underscores the high stakes for Alexander-Arnold, whose World Cup prospects could be jeopardized if he fails to contain the Colombian winger. The rivalry between the two players began during their time at Liverpool, where their chemistry was a cornerstone of the team’s success. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to deliver precise crosses to Diaz’s left flank became a defining trait of Liverpool’s attacking play under Jurgen Klopp. Their partnership yielded two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, cementing their status as one of the most lethal duos in English football. Diaz’s arrival in 2022, following a €50 million transfer from Porto, was seen as a strategic move to replace Sadio Mane, and his immediate rapport with Alexander-Arnold was evident. The right-back’s creative vision and Diaz’s pace created an unstoppable force, with the Colombian often breaking the lines to exploit gaps in defenses. However, their careers took divergent trajectories after their departures from Anfield. Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich in 2024 for €70 million was met with skepticism, given his age and the club’s cautious approach to transfers.#bayern_munich #real_madrid #luis_diaz #thomas_tuchel #trent_alexanderarnold

England: Thomas Tuchel Not Angry With Eight Withdrawals for Japan Friendly England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed disappointment but not anger toward players who withdrew from the squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Japan, as the team prepares for the World Cup. The withdrawals, which include key players such as Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Adam Wharton, occurred after Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay. Additional departures from Tuchel’s extended squad included Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Fikayo Tomori, and Aaron Ramsdale. This marks the final England camp before the deadline to name World Cup squads on 30 May. Tuchel emphasized that his frustration stems from the team’s desire to maintain a positive atmosphere and ensure players’ physical and mental well-being. “It’s disappointing, but not with the players—with the fact we want to have everyone in good spirits and health,” he said. He attributed the withdrawals to the end-of-season pressures, including players’ participation in European competitions and multiple cup ties. “The reality of end of the season and the end of March; the reality of having players in European matches and more than just one competition with all the cups going on,” Tuchel explained. The manager opted for an expanded 35-man squad for the Uruguay and Japan matches at Wembley, splitting players into two camps to manage workload. Tuchel highlighted concerns about players having already logged more minutes than the previous season, noting the need for a mental break. “We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern,” he said. He praised the players’ return to camp, stating that their renewed energy and willingness to reconnect with the team reflected a positive spirit.#japan #england #world_cup #thomas_tuchel #uruguay

Thomas Tuchel: Has England manager judged this international break correctly? Thomas Tuchel’s approach to England’s international break has sparked debate, with critics questioning whether his decision to name a 35-man squad split into two separate camps was the best way to evaluate players ahead of the World Cup. The German manager, who took charge of the Three Lions in January 2025, has prioritized keeping key players fresh amid a grueling domestic season, but his unconventional strategy has drawn mixed reactions from analysts and former players. The two fixtures against Uruguay and Japan, scheduled for early June, were intended as a final opportunity to test England’s depth and adaptability against higher-quality opposition. Tuchel’s squad, which included fringe players and debutants, was split into two groups: the first group, featuring Harry Maguire and Phil Foden, faced Uruguay in a 1-1 draw, while the second group, led by Harry Kane, prepared for the Japan match. The split was designed to give less-experienced players a chance to showcase their skills without overburdening the core squad. However, some critics argue that the format diluted the team’s cohesion and turned the matches into individual showcases rather than genuine competitive tests. Paul Robinson, a former England goalkeeper, criticized the approach, stating that the Uruguay game felt more like a trial than a meaningful match. “They looked like a bunch of trialists trying to impress a manager,” he said, adding that the players’ focus on personal gain rather than team success undermined the exercise. Sami Mokbel, BBC’s senior football correspondent, echoed similar concerns, noting that players were likely to prioritize impressing Tuchel over playing to their usual standards.#emma_hayes #england_team #thomas_tuchel #paul_robinson #sami_mokbel

Japan's Samurai Blue: Key Players to Watch in World Cup Clash with England Japan, ranked 18th in the world, may not be considered a global footballing powerhouse, but their recent performances have proven they are a formidable force. The Samurai Blue, known for their tactical discipline and attacking flair, have never advanced beyond the last 16 at a World Cup, yet their stunning run in Qatar 2022—where they defeated Spain and Germany in the group stage—highlighted their ability to challenge top-tier teams. As they prepare for the 2026 World Cup in North America, their upcoming friendly against England on Tuesday will be a crucial test. This match follows Japan’s 1-0 victory over Scotland, while England drew 1-1 with Uruguay in a recent friendly. BBC Sport identifies several key players in Japan’s squad that England manager Thomas Tuchel must monitor closely. Kaoru Mitoma, a 28-year-old winger for Brighton & Hove Albion, is a standout talent. Since joining the club in 2021, Mitoma has made 130 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists. His 2022-23 season was particularly impressive, as he became the first Japanese player to score seven goals in a single English top-flight campaign. Mitoma’s flair for spectacular goals has earned him two goal of the month awards, and his performance in the 2022 World Cup was pivotal. He scored Japan’s winning goal against Spain and was a substitute in all four of their matches, though he missed a penalty in the shootout against Croatia in the last 16. His ability to create chances and his physicality in attack make him a key threat for England. Daichi Kamada, 29, is another critical player. A versatile midfielder for Crystal Palace, Kamada joined the club in 2024 after a free transfer from Lazio.#japan #england #thomas_tuchel #kaoru_mitoma #daichi_kamada

Manchester United Seek Long-Term Replacement for Luke Shaw as Lewis Hall Enters Transfer Radar Manchester United are reportedly evaluating a potential move for Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall, who could emerge as the long-term successor to veteran defender Luke Shaw. The 21-year-old has become a key figure for his club, earning a place in England’s final World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel, while Shaw was left out of the 35-player selection. This development has sparked speculation about a potential shift in priorities at Old Trafford, where Hall’s attributes align with the club’s need for a dynamic left-back. Hall’s standout season with Newcastle has drawn attention, particularly after his inclusion in England’s World Cup squad. His performances have been lauded for their versatility, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. The player, who joined Newcastle from Chelsea in 2024 for a reported fee of up to $46.8 million (£35 million), has overcome early challenges to establish himself as a critical component of the Magpies’ squad. Manager Eddie Howe praised Hall’s resilience and adaptability, calling the transfer a “smart piece of business” that has paid dividends. The 21-year-old’s role at Newcastle has been instrumental in the team’s tactical setup, particularly in a system featuring an inverted left winger—a strategy reminiscent of Michael Carrick’s approach at United. Hall’s ability to provide width, create chances, and win back possession has made him a standout performer. Despite his contributions, his assist tally remains modest, with just two in all competitions, though his ability to generate 40 chances for teammates highlights his impact. Shaw, who has been a staple of United’s defense since joining in 2014, has faced mounting challenges due to recurring injuries.#manchester_united #newcastle_united #thomas_tuchel #lewis_hall #luk_e_shaw

Wayne Rooney Calls Phil Foden's Cup Final Appearance a 'Charity' Substitution Wayne Rooney has described Phil Foden's brief appearance for Manchester City in their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal as a "charity sub" to get him on the pitch. The England international, who has struggled to secure regular playing time this season, was introduced in the final minute of the 2-0 win at Wembley on Sunday. Rooney, speaking on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show, expressed frustration over Foden's limited involvement in recent matches, suggesting it felt unusual for a top player to be used so sparingly in a high-stakes game. Foden, 25, has been a regular omission from City's starting lineup in several key fixtures this season. He was an unused substitute in City's two UEFA Champions League round-of-16 games against Real Madrid and in recent Premier League matches against Liverpool, Leeds United, West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur. Despite being named in Thomas Tuchel's squad for upcoming international matches against Uruguay and Japan, Foden has yet to find consistent minutes in club action. Rooney acknowledged Foden's importance to the team, stating that his inclusion in the cup final felt like a gesture to give him experience rather than a reflection of his current form. "I felt sad for him but not sad because he is coming on in a cup final," Rooney said. "There was a game a few days ago when he didn't even get on the pitch. If that was Max Dowman coming on at the end, you would think good experience. But to see Phil Foden coming on in a cup final, it felt like a charity sub to get him on the pitch." The former Manchester United and England forward also raised concerns about Foden's reduced role, noting that the player had been in good form earlier in the season.#manchester_city #thomas_tuchel #wayne_rooney #carabao_cup #phil_foden

England confirm new kits for World Cup England have officially announced their new home and away kits for the upcoming World Cup, set to be worn during the tournament this summer. The kits, once again produced by Nike as part of their reported £400m agreement with the Football Association (FA), mark a departure from the controversial designs of previous years. The home shirt, which will be worn in the first match against Uruguay at Wembley next Friday, features a minimalist approach compared to the multi-colored St George's Cross that sparked debate two years ago. Instead, the inside collar of the latest shirts includes the words "happy and glorious," a reference to the national anthem God Save the King. Nike described the design as a "modern all-white" look that honors England's football heritage, with a metallic gold star above the crest symbolizing the country's 1966 World Cup victory. The away kit reverts to a traditional red shirt, having been purple since 2024. It features a centered badge and will be paired with navy shorts. Both kits will be available for purchase starting Monday, with the FA and Nike aiming to avoid the backlash that accompanied the previous designs. The earlier version, which included navy, light blue, and purple accents alongside the traditional red, was criticized for altering the national flag. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had expressed concerns about the changes, stating the flag was a "source of pride" that should not be modified. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer also voiced similar sentiments, arguing the flag "doesn't need to be changed." Nike emphasized that the inclusion of "happy and glorious" was intended to "reinforce national identity.#football_association #england #nike #world_cup #thomas_tuchel

Thomas Tuchel hones an England squad to suit his tactical vision The head coach will not necessarily pick the better player, or the one in form, but the one who best fits a specific role. Amid the intrigue of the final weeks of the domestic season, there is a reminder that the World Cup is fast approaching. England have just four more warm-up games before they face Croatia in their first group game in Arlington in June. Tuchel’s plans are coming into focus: these friendlies against Uruguay and Japan are the last chance for experiments or tests before the final honing in the USA. Tuchel has been refreshingly consistent in prioritising balance over individuals. Even Gareth Southgate fell into the celebrity trap near the end, his Euro 2024 squad a shapeless gaggle of stars who scrambled to the final despite an old-fashioned incoherence. For Tuchel, the stars-versus-system question crystallises around the central attacking midfield role, where Morgan Rogers has been preferred to Jude Bellingham in recent games. Although Cole Palmer has shown some signs of returning to form, that still feels like the highest-profile selection decision for Tuchel, particularly given his apparent disquiet around Bellingham’s robust self-confidence and the impact that may have on the rest of the squad. Bellingham hasn’t played since sustaining a hamstring injury at the beginning of February and will not feature against Uruguay. Rogers is one of 11 players who will not join up with the squad until after that first game, so with Bellingham unable to make his case, this is perhaps an opportunity for Palmer or Phil Foden. Given his capacity to play from the right and deputise for Bukayo Saka, Palmer would presumably go to the World Cup anyway; Foden’s place is less secure but bolstered by his versatility.#jude_bellingham #morgan_rogers #trent_alexander_arnold #thomas_tuchel #gareth_southgate

Trent Alexander-Arnold's exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad has raised questions about his World Cup prospects, marking another setback in his inconsistent international career. The 27-year-old, who recently returned to Real Madrid after injury, is absent from the 35-man group for the final international camp before the 2026 tournament. His omission comes despite playing in the Champions League knockout stages for Madrid and the absence of first-choice right-back Reece James, who missed recent friendlies. Tuchel confirmed he had not yet spoken to Alexander-Arnold about his exclusion, leaving the full-back out of four consecutive squads. The decision has sparked speculation about his chances of securing a spot in the final 26-man squad, as several players now rank ahead of him. Tuchel highlighted the competition from younger defenders like Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence, and Tino Livramento, who have impressed in recent matches. Livramento, in particular, has shown promise with his performances for England, including a standout display in a 5-0 win against Serbia. Alexander-Arnold's international career has been marked by inconsistency under Tuchel. The England manager has selected him just once in his 10 games in charge, with the last appearance coming as a substitute in a 1-0 win over Andorra. His form under Gareth Southgate was similarly limited, though he had a notable moment in Euro 2024, scoring the winning penalty against Switzerland. However, his defensive contributions have not aligned with Tuchel's emphasis on physicality and defensive discipline, complicating his case for selection. At Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold's season has been hampered by recurring injuries, including hamstring and thigh issues that kept him sidelined for months.#england #real_madrid #champions_league #thomas_tuchel #trent_alexanderarnold

Borussia Dortmund Faces Crucial Clash Against Augsburg Amid Seasonal Struggles Borussia Dortmund’s upcoming match against FC Augsburg on Saturday has become a pivotal moment in their Bundesliga campaign. Despite a 2-1 victory over 1. FC Köln in the previous week, the performance was criticized as a lackluster display from a team currently ranked second in the league. The challenge against Augsburg, a club positioned comfortably in the middle of the table, is seen as an opportunity to regain momentum and address growing concerns about their identity and consistency. The defeat to Köln highlighted the fragility of Dortmund’s recent form, with the team struggling to maintain composure under pressure. This vulnerability has been compounded by a difficult season, marked by a painful Champions League exit against Bergamo and a persistent gap to the league leaders. Even with a strong finish to the season, Dortmund’s current standing leaves little room for error, as they aim to secure crucial points in the final stretch. The match against Augsburg carries added significance beyond the three points on the line. Manager Thomas Tuchel, now under pressure to deliver results, faces the challenge of reigniting the team’s attacking flair and overcoming the “nervousness” that has plagued them in recent games. A repeat of their previous performance against Köln could reignite criticism of their tactical approach and lack of creativity. The pressure to prove their resilience is heightened by the fact that many fans feel the season has already passed them by. FC Augsburg, meanwhile, approaches the game with confidence and minimal pressure. The club, which has consistently performed well against top-tier teams, will look to capitalize on Dortmund’s perceived vulnerabilities.#borussia_dortmund #fc_augsburg #thomas_tuchel #kevin_schlotterbeck #marius_wolf