With just 250 days to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, all eyes are on Thomas Tuchel and his England side as preparations intensify for what could end a 60-year wait for global glory. Speaking on Sky Sports’ Sports Desk in a video uploaded on YouTube, former England youth coach Ian Foster offered key insights into the Three Lions’ build-up and the challenges that lie ahead for Tuchel.
Watch the video below:
England remain perfect in qualifying with five wins out of five, and Foster believes Tuchel, who Softfootball reported called up 24 stars for the international friendlies against Wales and Latvia, will remain laser-focused on sealing qualification before turning full attention to tournament logistics. Foster, who has worked with several current England internationals, said much of the groundwork will build on England’s previous tournament experience.
He Revealed:
I think it can be achieved next month In the background, logistically, I imagine team operations are in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico looking at training venues, stadiums, hotels, etc. It really kicks into gear once they’ve qualified and once the draw happens.
They’ll have a robust plan. They’ve obviously got one they used in Russia and then Qatar, so they’ll be well-versed on travel and everything else, the FA prefers hotels that are just theirs to allow players to relax away from outside distractions.
However, Foster suggested that Tuchel’s choice of opponents in friendly matches may need to be more ambitious. The conversation also turned to squad depth, a strength that may yet prove Tuchel’s biggest dilemma. Foster remarked on England’s squad depth, citing the absence of stars like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Trent Alexander-Arnold from the latest call-up, claiming that England’s performance despite being without key players was a positive indication, especially after beating Wales 3-nil in a friendly.
He Said:
I was slightly surprised that the opposition they chose for the friendly game last night wasn’t a Tier 1 side. They’ve done really well, but against Spain, Germany, Italy, or France, you get a lot more challenges. It’ll be interesting to see in March and leading into the World Cup what level of opposition they get.
You could almost name two England squads. One of the main challenges since the so-called golden generation is how do we fit our best players into the team? I don’t think Thomas and his staff will want to be working that out in the tournament.
Foster praised the performances of Mark Guehi and John Stones, describing them as good as it gets from a centre-back pairing in England, and called Phil Foden one of the world’s best while urging Tuchel to find a position for Phil in the team.
He also hailed the rise of young talents Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers. Looking ahead, Foster identified two uncertain areas, the number six and left-back positions, and said Tuchel’s tactical adaptability will be vital in managing heat and travel conditions across North America.
Foster said:
Elliot’s thriving right now… There’s not much competition for that number six role if that’s how he plays; Morgan’s an unbelievable talent. In tournament football, those players who can play dual roles are worth their weight in gold. The medical department at the FA is world-class. The manager is tactically outstanding, so he’ll know when to dial it up in certain conditions and when to turn it down.
As England edge closer to qualification, Foster’s insights underline the magnitude of Tuchel’s task: balancing an overflowing talent pool, refining tactics for elite opposition, and navigating a vast, climate-diverse tournament. If England’s meticulous planning, deep squad, and Tuchel’s tactical sharpness align, the Three Lions may finally dare to dream again in 2026.
