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.



Belgian Coach Tedesco Still Believes He’s the Right Man for the Job

 Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
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Belgian Coach Tedesco Still Believes He’s the Right Man for the Job

 Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)

Belgium's 1-0 defeat by Israel in the Nations League on Sunday has ramped up the pressure on Domenico Tedesco but the coach still believes he is the right man for the job.

Belgium have won just two of their last 10 internationals and only avoided bottom place in their group, and relegation from the top tier, because of better head-to-head results against the Israelis.

The 39-year-old has come under scrutiny since Belgium's disappointing exit at the European Championship and while the defeat in Budapest on Sunday did little to ease the pressure Tedesco remained positive about his role.

"I trust my qualities. I trust my staff, I trust my players. I trust the people around me. I know how hard I work," he said.

Belgium's timid tactics have been criticized throughout the six-game campaign despite Tedesco promising a more adventurous approach after they limped out to France in the last 16 at Euro 2024 in July.

"After the Euros I told you that we have to change something in some games, we missed intensity, and that we have to try new players because if we don't do it now we will never do it," Tedesco told reporters.

"This campaign was different because of many, many injuries."

Belgium were without a host of key players for their last group game on Sunday and lost the match late on after a horror defensive error from new cap Matte Smets.

"It was a difficult game, difficult circumstances, and it's difficult to say something harsh to this young team," said Tedesco.

"We are better equipped now to go into the next year's World Cup qualifiers."

While his future was the subject of much debate in Belgium after the loss to Israel, Tedesco was not letting it get to him.

"The negative sentiment is nothing new. I was told this is typically Belgian," he added.

"Naturally the results in the Nations League did not help but in March we have a sort of final in the playoffs to keep our place in the A League. It will be good to start the New Year with a strong focus."