We Simulated Thomas Tuchel’s England at the 2026 World Cup – The Results Were Remarkable
Thomas Tuchel will announce his first England squad this Friday ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia on March 21 and 24. The German tactician has signed an 18-month contract with the Football Association, keeping him at the helm through the 2026 World Cup.
With England expected to be among the tournament favorites under their Champions League-winning manager, we used Football Manager to simulate how Tuchel’s Three Lions might fare in 2026. The results were fascinating.
Tuchel’s Tactical Approach and Formation
According to the simulation, Tuchel opts for his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation – a system he utilized successfully at Borussia Dortmund, PSG, and Bayern Munich. The virtual Tuchel employs an asymmetrical approach with the right-back positioned higher up the pitch than the left-back, complemented by a deep-lying playmaker in midfield orchestrating play.
Key elements of Tuchel’s tactical setup include:
- An advanced right-back creating width in attack
- A more conservative left-back providing defensive balance
- Two holding midfielders controlling tempo
- Fluid attacking movement from the front four
The squad selection features several surprises, with Aaron Ramsdale displacing Jordan Pickford as England’s first-choice goalkeeper. Rico Lewis earns the starting right-back position, while Luke Shaw remains at left-back.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah partners Marc Guehi in central defense – a partnership few would predict today.
In midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold operates as the deep-lying playmaker alongside Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. The attacking midfield positions rotate between Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Alex Scott, and Marcus Rashford.
Harry Kane retains the captain’s armband and starting striker role, with Jarrod Bowen serving as his backup.
Two unexpected inclusions stand out: Liverpool’s Luke Chambers (currently on loan at Wigan Athletic) makes a remarkable rise to international football, while Michael Olise (predicted to join Bayern Munich) features prominently in the squad.
England’s 2026 World Cup Journey:
- Group Stage: Flawless performance with wins against Suriname (8-1), Morocco (2-0), and Chile (6-0)
- Round of 32: Defeat Spain 1-0
- Round of 16: Beat Ivory Coast 3-1
- Quarter-final: Avenge their 2022 exit by defeating France on penalties
- Semi-final: Edge past Uruguay 1-0
- Final: Face Euro 2020 nemesis Italy
The World Cup final against Italy produces a dramatic storyline. After falling behind to a Gianluca Scamacca goal in the 66th minute, England equalize through an unexpected hero – Jarrod Bowen – whom Tuchel boldly selected over Kane.
Following a 1-1 draw after extra time, England and Italy engage in an extraordinary penalty shootout requiring 20 combined spot-kicks. When Italy defender Alessandro Buongiorno misses his penalty, England finally claim their first World Cup trophy since 1966 – exactly 60 years after their historic home triumph.
This simulation suggests Tuchel might be the perfect manager to end England’s decades of tournament heartbreak, with his tactical flexibility and willingness to make bold selection decisions paying dividends on the global stage.
What do you think about these predictions? Will Thomas Tuchel lead England to World Cup glory in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about England’s exciting new chapter!