What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Thomas Tuchel, the manager of England's national football team, has described England as 'underdogs' for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Despite England's recent successes in European Championships, Tuchel emphasizes the need for team unity to achieve success. England is currently ranked fourth globally and leads their World Cup qualification group with a perfect record. Tuchel has made notable squad changes, excluding Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, while Reece James is out due to injury. England will play a friendly against Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia in the coming days.
Why It's Important?
Tuchel's comments highlight the challenges England faces in international football, despite their high ranking and strong qualification performance. The notion of being 'underdogs' could affect team morale and public perception. The exclusion of key players like Bellingham and Foden suggests a strategic shift towards building a cohesive team, which could impact England's playing style and effectiveness. These developments are crucial as England prepares for the World Cup, where team dynamics and strategy will be tested against top international teams.
What's Next?
England's upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia will provide Tuchel with opportunities to evaluate his squad and refine strategies. The team's performance will be closely watched as they aim to solidify their position as World Cup contenders. Tuchel's approach to team building and match tactics will be pivotal in shaping England's prospects in the tournament. The friendly and qualifier will serve as critical tests for the team's readiness and cohesion.
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