Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tuchel Puts Social Skills at the Heart of England’s World Cup Selection

He signals a shift toward off-field cohesion to handle the demands of a long, travel-heavy tournament.

Overview

  • Thomas Tuchel says England’s squad will be chosen for social skills, communication and acceptance of supporting roles as well as footballing ability.
  • He argues that past World Cups turned on the right group feeling and clear roles, which kept teams together and effective over long stretches.
  • England have scheduled a warm-up camp in Florida that will include two matches as part of their preparation.
  • Two March friendlies at Wembley against Uruguay and Japan are planned before Tuchel names his final World Cup squad.
  • England begin Group L against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, with Ghana and Panama also in the group, and Tuchel notes the expanded format could mean six to eight weeks together.