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Thomas Tuchel has been tasked with the mission of bringing England silverware over the next few years and inherits a squad that looks primed to go deep in an international tournament given how close they have got to the top trophies in recent seasons.
His appointment has caused some controversy but there is no doubt that Tuchel is an excellent manager, especially in cup competitions. This article will look at some of Tuchel’s common tactical approaches from his time at Europe’s biggest clubs and look at how these can translate into betting angles.
(All stats below are correct as of 20/03/2025)
🧠 Formation and Approach
Thomas Tuchel likes to play with a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2, these are the systems he’s been using during his time at Chelsea and Bayern over the last few seasons. He used it sparingly at PSG and Dortmund but really perfected his approach with the formation at his two most recent clubs.
This shape allows his side to be flexible when moving between attacking and defensive phases, England will commonly use a three at the back when against some of the smaller nations but equally could shift to a five if they are protecting a lead or lining up against a particularly effective attack.
Whilst this shape heavily depends on the effectiveness of the two wingbacks, the middle of the pitch is made very compact. This will force teams to play around England rather than getting joy through central areas. This also allows Tuchel’s side to press, not with the same intensity of a Jurgen Klopp side, but with targeted phases and traps set for the opposition which then allow England to come forward quickly.
One aspect of Tuchel’s game plan that could be particularly effective on the international stage is quick transitions. Tuchel’s approach in the final third is to get the ball to the forward players as quickly as possible, he’s already spoken about his England side ‘reflecting the Premier League’ which means we are likely to see a direct approach at times from the Three Lions.
✏️ Key Players and Profiles
The middle of the park is crucial to Tuchel, he has been really selective over the profile of players he has in the middle of the park which could be good news for Curtis Jones. Neither Declan Rice nor Jude Bellingham are quite the right profiles for this role which is similar to the one Jorginho played from Tuchel’s time at Chelsea.
The wingbacks will be as important to any success England gets with Tuchel. They are high-energy players who are instructed to cover a lot of ground as well as acting as key players in the attacking phases of play. He’s got a few options for this position on the right-hand side with Reece James but Tino Livramento could be really suited to this role – he’s already shown his attacking ability and flexibility for Newcastle this season and will catch the eye of Tuchel with his proficiency in both areas of the pitch.
Left wing-back could cause some issues for Tuchel, there isn’t an obvious player in the England squad who could play that role consistently. Myles Lewis Skelly could be an option but for now, he’s a bit too young to regularly feature on the international stage. This points to a bigger problem that Tuchel may have with England in having certain profiles of players, he can be quite selective with how he wants his team to play in certain areas but doesn’t have the luxury of a transfer window as an international manager which could lead to some tactical tweaks to account for the different options he has.
The goalkeeper is also an important role here, interestingly Tuchel called up four goalkeepers to his first squad which seemed to many to be a bit much but Tuchel is very picky with his keepers. They are usually ball-playing but not to a fault, Pickford’s range of passing will excite Tuchel and James Trafford could also be a long-term option with his ability on the ball. The back three are also expected to be comfortable in possession, Marc Guehi stands out as a defender who can really nail down a place in Tuchel’s backline.
Finally, the attacking setup will vary under Tuchel. Kane is likely to lead the line at least until the end of the next World Cup but the two players set to feature just behind him will constantly rotate. There are so many options for Tuchel to play in behind the striker when England have a fully fit squad to pick from but it could be a real chance for someone like Phil Foden to finally kick on in an England shirt. These positions slightly inside from the wide areas are where Foden thrives, Morgan Rogers could be another player that does well in this role but Bellingham could be preferred if Tuchel is going to play that profile further forward.
🗒️ Potential Betting Angles
Returns from wingbacks: Tuchel’s wingbacks regularly affect the game in the final third. Whatever pairing he goes for in these positions, keep an eye on them for shots, shots on target, and goal contributions. Tino Livramento really stands out as a player who ticks multiple boxes for Tuchel’s preferred system.
England’s midfield can be revolutionized: Gareth Southgate’s England struggled to play the ball through the thirds which ultimately resulted in England going long as opposed to finding a way through the middle of the park. Tuchel will recognise he needs some control in the middle of the pitch and could opt for Curtis Jones just to allow England that extra time on the ball instead of being so intense and constant in trying to force the ball forward. Keep an eye on Jones and the England midfield to draw fouls and set traps for the opposition with their compact shape and press.
Foden can thrive: Foden has been disappointing for the majority of his England campaign but Tuchel could be the coach to platform him as he is for his club side. Foden playing just behind Kane will really benefit the Premier League POTY who was forced out into wide areas under Gareth Southgate.
Finally time for silverware? There is no doubting Tuchel’s expertise in these cup competitions. His challenge will be managing the various egos in the England dressing room which is something he’s struggled with in the past and adapting his system when he doesn’t have certain profiles to make his style of play work. That being said, England will be able to go deep into competitions and Tuchel’s tactical skill may just be enough to get them over the line.
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