Thomas Tuchel stands as an elite figure in coaching for England, and his capabilities should not be overlooked. Emma Hayes, who spent twelve years at Chelsea, holds Tuchel in high regard alongside Mauricio Pochettino as her favorite managers.
Hayes praises Tuchel’s communication skills, noting his ability to convey messages clearly and effectively. She admires how he communicates with both the media and players in a methodical and inspiring manner, making complex information more digestible.
Having observed him closely at Chelsea, she is an enthusiastic supporter of his coaching style. He is known for being honest and straightforward with players, emphasizing professionalism while also being approachable and personable.
Tuchel has cultivated strong relationships within the Chelsea staff and has always made Hayes feel welcomed. She recalls a significant moment during the 2021 FIFA Best awards, where both coaches celebrated their respective honors via a Zoom call during the pandemic, expressing her joy for his success.
As the tournament approaches, it has been three weeks since Tuchel announced his 26-player squad for the World Cup, and Hayes acknowledges the meticulous thought behind each selection. She emphasizes that Tuchel is committed to his decisions, stating, “Listen, you haven’t made the group and I just wanted you to know that” She also highlights the tendency for fans to focus on the exclusion of certain players, acknowledging the inevitability of leaving out top talents.
Tuchel has identified 14 or 15 key players likely to feature in nearly every match. Adjustments to the starting lineup will likely come from within this core group. She points out that while the squad consists of 26 players, the realities of a tournament require a cohesive group that can adapt to various roles, even if many won’t see playtime. Hayes stresses the importance of team dynamics, stating that achieving a common goal demands sacrifices and the right mindset.
Decision-making is never a hasty process for a coach like Tuchel. He considers his game model and the ability of players to meet the challenges posed by environmental conditions, such as high humidity and heat. With a flawless qualification record—eight wins and no goals conceded—Tuchel has had ample opportunity to assess his players thoroughly.
Evaluations extend beyond club performance; Tuchel’s understanding of how players respond in the international arena is crucial. For instance, Bukayo Saka has earned his place on the national team through consistent performance over time.
Delivering the news to players who are omitted is always challenging. Hayes explains that there is no easy way to communicate such decisions. Sometimes it is brief: “If you’ve got any questions, you can ask”; other times, there’s room for questions, though players often choose not to engage.
Exceptional talents like Phil Foden and Cole Palmer’s absence is disappointing, but Hayes notes the necessity of including players like Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze, who has shown impressive form.
One decision that surprised Hayes was the exclusion of Palmer. She believed Palmer might have secured a spot, especially in the absence of Jack Grealish and Foden, as his unique skills could provide a vital spark. Despite Palmer’s relatively modest goal tally in 2026, she acknowledges his potential, while also respecting Tuchel’s clear vision for the team.
Tuchel is also keen on ensuring the squad’s effectiveness during set pieces, a critical aspect of the game. Hayes notes the quality of players selected for attacking roles, pointing out that Ollie Watkins finished the season on a high note. While some might argue for Dominic Solanke’s inclusion, she believes Ivan Toney’s finishing ability is invaluable, particularly in tight matches where goals are hard to come by.
In a tournament context, having a top-tier penalty taker like Toney available can be a game-changer, especially in situations that might lead to penalty shootouts, making his selection even more strategic.
England will kick off their World Cup journey against Croatia on Wednesday, and Hayes is eagerly anticipating the match. She firmly believes that Tuchel’s coaching prowess should not be underestimated.
