England Have All the Tools to Win World Cup under Tuchel, Says Carsley

Football - England FA Press Conference - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 16, 2024 New England manager Thomas Tuchel during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
Football - England FA Press Conference - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 16, 2024 New England manager Thomas Tuchel during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
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England Have All the Tools to Win World Cup under Tuchel, Says Carsley

Football - England FA Press Conference - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 16, 2024 New England manager Thomas Tuchel during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo
Football - England FA Press Conference - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 16, 2024 New England manager Thomas Tuchel during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

Incoming England manager Thomas Tuchel has all the tools he needs to win the 2026 World Cup but finding the right balance for the team will be key, interim coach Lee Carsley said.

Carsley's six-game stint in charge of England ended with Sunday's 5-0 win over Ireland that secured promotion to the Nations League's top tier.

German Tuchel, who previously managed Paris St Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, was appointed last month and will take charge in January.

Former manager Gareth Southgate led England to a World Cup semi-final in 2018 but Carsley thinks Tuchel can go all the way in 2026 at the tournament in North America.

England have not won the World Cup, or any other major trophy, since 1966.

"I think we are in a good position to do that," the 50-year-old told British media. "We have the talent to do it.

"I have been lucky now to be at the last couple of World Cups and the timing of the players being in form, physically and mentally, at the right time, picking the right squad.

"We have got all of the tools. We just need to play them in the order... We just have to find that balance."

Carsley, who is returning to his role as manager of the under 21 side, handed out eight debuts during his stint in charge including Curtis Jones and Noni Madueke.



Di Maria Studying to Become a Coach after Retirement

Benfica's Argentine forward #11 Angel Di Maria (front) celebrates with teammate Benfica's Danish defender #6 Alexander Bah after converting a penalty to score their fourth goal during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and FC Porto at at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, on November 10, 2024. (AFP)
Benfica's Argentine forward #11 Angel Di Maria (front) celebrates with teammate Benfica's Danish defender #6 Alexander Bah after converting a penalty to score their fourth goal during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and FC Porto at at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, on November 10, 2024. (AFP)
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Di Maria Studying to Become a Coach after Retirement

Benfica's Argentine forward #11 Angel Di Maria (front) celebrates with teammate Benfica's Danish defender #6 Alexander Bah after converting a penalty to score their fourth goal during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and FC Porto at at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, on November 10, 2024. (AFP)
Benfica's Argentine forward #11 Angel Di Maria (front) celebrates with teammate Benfica's Danish defender #6 Alexander Bah after converting a penalty to score their fourth goal during the Portuguese League football match between SL Benfica and FC Porto at at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, on November 10, 2024. (AFP)

Benfica forward Angel Di Maria said he is studying to become a coach as he will consider opportunities in the dug-out when he eventually ends his 20-year-long playing career.

The 36-year-old, who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, retired from international soccer after winning his second Copa America trophy in July.

Former Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris St Germain player Di Maria has scored five goals and registered two assists in 14 appearances for Benfica this season, including a goal in their 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last month.

"I am taking the course to be a coach. I am doing it just in case," Di Maria said in an interview with Clank Media published late on Monday. "From the age of 30 I started to see football differently and analyze it."

"I started to see it not only from the player´s side, but also how a coach can see it. I know that the coaching side is much more difficult because it takes much more time. As a player you just train and go home.

"When I retire, I would like to enjoy time with my family for a while but later on, maybe this can happen."

Di Maria, who joined Benfica last year from Italian side Juventus, has a contract with the Portuguese club valid until June 2025.