Perfect Record But Questions Remain for England
Thomas Tuchel's England side have been issued a stark warning that they are still not operating 'on the same level' as four other leading nations, despite concluding their World Cup qualifying campaign with a flawless record. The caution came from former Chelsea and France defender Frank Leboeuf, who expressed doubts about the Three Lions' prospects under their German coach.
A Hard-Fought Win Seals Historic Qualification
The warning followed England's final qualifier, a 2-0 victory away to Albania on Sunday evening. While the performance was not their most dazzling, a second-half brace from captain Harry Kane secured the necessary result. More significantly, the win marked an eighth consecutive clean sheet, making Tuchel's squad the first European nation in history to navigate an entire World Cup qualifying campaign of over six matches without conceding a single goal.
Since his appointment at the start of the year, Tuchel has quickly imposed his style on the national team. Impressive victories in challenging away fixtures, such as the match against Serbia, coupled with a strong display at home against Wales, have demonstrated the squad's considerable potential under his leadership.
Leboeuf's Verdict: Culture and Competition
Despite this formidable qualifying record, Frank Leboeuf remains unconvinced. The Frenchman revealed his unease with the Football Association's decision to hire a German coach, stating, 'I believe a big footballing country like England doesn't need a German coach to win the World Cup.' He elaborated on his cultural reservations, comparing it to his own discomfort at the idea of an English coach leading the French national team.
Leboeuf pinpointed what he perceives as a recurring issue for England, suggesting that 'there's always something going wrong with the English national team at a certain time.' This inherent scepticism led him to name four nations he currently ranks above England. 'That's why I rank Portugal, Spain, Argentina, and France ahead of England,' he declared, urging observers to 'wait and see' how the team performs.
He did, however, acknowledge the clear talent within the English squad and noted an improvement in team chemistry compared to past eras, where club rivalries often hampered national team cohesion. 'Now, it's getting a little better; it seems they appreciate each other and are ready to work together. So, it's possible,' he conceded. 'But I don't see England at the same level as the others right now.'
With no matches scheduled until March, the focus for Tuchel and his players now shifts entirely to preparing for the World Cup in North America, where they will aim to prove their doubters wrong.
