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Thomas Tuchel Scraps Pre-World Cup Plan After Unexpected England Draw
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he might have to scrap England’s 2026 World Cup plans after the draw for the competition was made on Thursday evening.
The Three Lions have been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama for the tournament that takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada in June and July next year.
England have hopes of going all the way in the competition for the first time since 1966 and all the preparations in place are designed with that objective in mind. Unfortunately for Tuchel, his pre-tournament plans may have to be canceled after a surprising twist in the draw.
England To Scrap Pre-World Cup Preparations
England’s plans ahead of the World Cup might be changed, according to head coach Tuchel. The Three Lions were expected to face Japan and Uruguay as part of their preparations, with warm-up matches expected to be scheduled for June before the tournament.
However speaking to talkSPORT, Tuchel revealed that this plan may now be scrapped.
He explained: “We have friendlies in March and two prep matches in June.
“It is likely [that England will face Japan and Uruguay in those games], especially in terms of organisation. But we have to maybe think twice, as we don’t have an Asian team in our group or a South American team in our group.
“So I have to think about it, if we need to open the subject and look at other options, if this makes more sense for us to be maybe better prepared.
“In general, I think we will have strong opponents in March and then take the next steps.”
England Must Get Preparations Right To Win Tournament
England fans should be encouraged by Tuchel’s attention to detail in these comments. On the surface, England’s Group L fixtures are fairly generous with Ghana and Panama likely to see the Three Lions as huge favourites for those games. However in tournament football, you can’t take anything for granted.
Conditions are going to be tough in North America next summer and that means that Tuchel must ensure that his team are as prepared as possible for each and every opponent and the challenges that they can pose.
If he’s serious about guiding England to World Cup glory for the first time since 1966, the German boss is absolutely right to leave no stone unturned in preparing his squad for the competition. If we don’t, we risk being caught out and making harder work of the group stage than we need to.
Thomas Tuchel Drops Hint over England Future with Contract due to Expire after 2026 World Cup
The Three Lions boss is set to step down after the World Cup in North America next summer.
