England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a powerful message to his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, declaring that substitutes who channel their anger into positive impact will be the defining factor in whether the team can lift the trophy.
The Bench That Wins Tournaments
Following England's 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, Tuchel elaborated on his philosophy, drawing direct parallels to his triumphant 2021 Champions League campaign with Chelsea. He emphasised that in the stifling conditions expected across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where temperatures could reach 40 degrees Celsius, a strong, proactive bench is non-negotiable.
"You can be angry at the coach, you can be angry at the situation," Tuchel stated regarding players left out of the starting lineup. "But if you see the nations that win, see the clubs that win the Champions League, then the bench is on their feet. For the last eight to 10 minutes, there is no one sat there thinking: 'I should be on the field, why am I not there?'"
He recalled the "amazing run with Chelsea" where everyone was "pushing and fighting from the bench even if they were not picked." Tuchel believes recreating this 'brotherhood' and selfless spirit is paramount for England's success.
Heat, Fatigue, and Tactical Innovation
Tuchel pinpointed the unique physical challenges facing his squad, noting that English players suffer most from "long, long seasons" filled with domestic cup competitions. This makes strategic use of substitutes even more critical.
The coach revealed he is already planning a "heat-proof gameplan" that may require "thinking outside the box." This includes potentially maximising the additional substitution window available at half-time, a period not counted against the standard three windows for five changes allowed under FIFA regulations.
"We have to maybe worship even the extra slot we have at half-time," Tuchel explained. "We maybe can have one or two changes at half-time."
Handling Big Names and Clear Roles
Tuchel's selection for the Serbia match demonstrated his commitment to this philosophy. He made the bold call to keep Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden on the bench, instead starting Morgan Rogers in the No. 10 role due to his recent "three fantastic performances."
The decision paid dividends when both Bellingham and Foden, introduced in the 65th minute, combined to set up fellow substitute Eberechi Eze for England's second goal. However, Tuchel noted a tactical concern, observing that the new-look front four became "a little bit disconnected from the back" and that he needs to "get my head around why this happened."
Tuchel admitted he "hates" informing players like newcomer Alex Scott that they haven't made the matchday squad, but stressed that clarity of role is essential for team harmony during a major tournament. He confirmed that Bellingham accepted his bench role against Serbia with "no problem at all" after a private explanation.
As England prepares for its final qualifier against Albania in Tirana, and with the withdrawal of Marc Guéhi due to a foot injury, Tuchel's man-management and tactical innovation will continue to be tested. The German coach even hinted he may start singing the national anthem at the World Cup, stating, "Yeah, maybe. Let's see."
