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.



Marquinhos Asks Brazil Fans to Keep the Faith

Brazil's player Marquinhos gestures during a press conference following a training of the Brazil national football team at the Manuel Barradas stadium in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, on November 17, 2024, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match against Uruguay. (AFP)
Brazil's player Marquinhos gestures during a press conference following a training of the Brazil national football team at the Manuel Barradas stadium in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, on November 17, 2024, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match against Uruguay. (AFP)
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Marquinhos Asks Brazil Fans to Keep the Faith

Brazil's player Marquinhos gestures during a press conference following a training of the Brazil national football team at the Manuel Barradas stadium in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, on November 17, 2024, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match against Uruguay. (AFP)
Brazil's player Marquinhos gestures during a press conference following a training of the Brazil national football team at the Manuel Barradas stadium in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil, on November 17, 2024, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier football match against Uruguay. (AFP)

Five-times World Cup winners Brazil have struggled to impress in South America's qualifiers for the 2026 tournament but defender Marquinhos had called on fans to stick by the side ahead of Tuesday's home game against Uruguay.

With a run of five wins, four losses and two draws, Brazil are fourth in the standings on 17 points, five behind leaders Argentina, with the top six qualifying automatically for the World Cup in North America. Uruguay are second on 19 points.

Brazil were held 1-1 in Venezuela on Thursday, with Vinicius Jr seeing a late penalty saved, and stand-in skipper Marquinhos said the players still took pride in playing for the shirt even when results did not go their way.

"Even though many things might cause people to lose hope in the national team, we ask that they never lose their passion for it," the 30-year-old told a news conference on Sunday.

Brazil, who were beaten by Uruguay in Montevideo last year, are in a transitional phase under head coach Dorival Junior and it will take some time to iron out the problems, he added.

"We will still make some mistakes because this transition is still very new, with all these changes of players and teams," said Marquinhos, who deputizes for regular captain Danilo.

"But we will make fewer and fewer mistakes and that makes us happy.

"We don't worry too much about the standings as long as we're in a comfortable position. We want to win to move up the table, make the work flow better, and gain confidence."

Brazil go into Tuesday's match without a host of top players with defender Eder Militao and forwards Neymar and Rodrygo among those sidelined due to injury.