Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, England
10 June 2026
Thomas Tuchel’s first World Cup with England is being framed against Gareth Southgate’s long shadow. The squad still carries much of Southgate’s spine, but Tuchel has presented himself as a sharper, football-first head coach with a clearer performance brief.
The Athletic argues Tuchel has less emotional baggage around the England role, allowing him to focus mainly on performance. Southgate rebuilt the national team’s standing, while Tuchel is judged more directly on rhythm, intensity and winning a second star.