Thomas Tuchel’s England already look different to Gareth Southgate’s after Croatia win
Some of the key things we learned about England after the 4-2 victory over Croatia, where Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweaks stood out
England kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia and while it is generally advised to not get over excited after one result, several themes emerged that suggest Thomas Tuchel’s side could look very different from the team under Gareth Southgate.
The German coach was brought in for one reason – to help England over the line after having reached the last two European Championship finals. And against the toughest opponent the Three Lions will face in Group L, positive early signs were there for all to see.
From getting the best out of certain individuals in adapted roles, to the tactical tweaks during the game and brave substitutions, the indications are that Tuchel knows how to right the wrongs of the past.
Unlocking Jude Bellingham
Leading up to the tournament, there were plenty of questions surrounding Jude Bellingham. In October, Tuchel left him out of the squad, sparking doubts over whether the Real Madrid star would have a major role for England under the new boss. However, whether mind games or otherwise, Bellingham looked like a man on a mission as he emerged as one of the stars against Croatia, playing with intensity on and off the ball, embracing a free role handed to him by the manager.
He stood out with his bold solo adventures, driving the team forward on various occasions, and got a valuable goal at the start of the second half to make it 3-2 through his perseverance and quality. He took on a deeper role late in the game, and continued to perform to an equally high level.
On the back of a modest season with Real Madrid, and question marks about his England role, Bellingham could have folded under pressure but, as great players do, he rose to the occasion and proved why he should be an undisputable starter for his side at the World Cup.
England refused to retreat after taking the lead
England took the lead on three occasions on Wednesday night, and while questions will naturally be asked about the way the equalisers were conceded, what stood out was the reaction after going ahead. Southgate was renowned for his pragmatic approach where the go-ahead goal was often the cue to sit back and defend the advantage.
With Tuchel, it was the opposite. After going 3-2 up at the start of the second half, rather than shutting up shop, England were proactive. In the spell between Bellingham’s 47th minute solo goal and the hydration break, England peppered the Croatian goal, with only the heroics of Dominik Livaković preventing the scoreline from increasing.
Harry Kane stated after the game that Tuchel gave the team a “speech” at half time which sparked a different attitude in the second half. One suspects that the German’s approach was slightly less diplomatic, but it was effective… and refreshing.
Forward thinking substitutions
Similarly, in a stark contrast to recent tournaments, substitutions were proactive and forward-thinking.
Under Southgate, substitutions were often a source of frustration for fans, with second-half subs often being a means to slow the game down, and attacking subs were either to refresh personnel or to chase a game.
On Wednesday, Tuchel’s triple change on 72 minutes was telling. Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford replaced fellow wingers Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon in like-for-like changes, but the third sub saw Morgan Rogers come on for Declan Rice. In turn, Tuchel moved Bellingham deeper into midfield for Rogers to play further forward.
Tuchel identified that Croatia’s advancements further up the field were leaving space in behind. Thus, once England regained possession, they were a threat on the counter with fresh and pacey subs, which was how the goal for 4-2 came about – Djed Spence, Rogers and Saka drove forward down the right, before the Arsenal man picked out Rashford on the opposite win who coolly converted.
The depth available to Tuchel could become one of England’s biggest assets if they are to challenge for the trophy later this summer.
In-game tactical tweaks
Getting the starting line-up and the initial tactics right is one thing, but the very best managers know to make adjustments during the game.
Tuchel proved his tactical pedigree, with a series of in-game tweaks that shows why he is a top class manager. After Kane’s opener, Tuchel could be seen shouting at Jordan Pickford over his distribution, urging for more calmness, despite the Everton man’s seniority.
With Kane, after a first-half display where most of his involvements were in and around the penalty area, the captain took on the quarter-back role in the second half, receiving the ball off the goalkeeper, linking play with midfield, as well as being a menace in the area.
Bellingham dropped into a no.6 position after Rice was subbed off, while he also moved Reece James into midfield later on to accommodate Spence at right back – tweaks that maintained fluidity in the side throughout.
And changing the two wingers – Gordon and Madueke for Saka and Rashford – was not just a straightforward change. Bringing on fresh, pacey wingers as Croatia’s full-backs advanced further forward was a key move.
Those in-game adjustments are precisely why England remain among the favourites to go deep into the competition, with Tuchel showing an ability to react to changing situations.
Looking ahead to England vs Ghana
England’s next match will be against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, and the Three Lions are predicted to claim another three points after the display against Croatia.
Despite the new format leaving England all-but qualified for the next round, it is unlikely that Tuchel will make wholesale changes. The priority will likely be to continue building synergies and connections with what is perceived to be the first-choice starting XI, and possibly incorporating one or two new players.
John Stones, who completed 87 minutes of action, will likely come out for Marc Guehi. Elsewhere, Reece James, who has had his fair share of injury problems, may also be given a rest.
And, on the wings, it would be no surprise if one of Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford were given a start.
However, regardless of personnel, Tuchel has evidently stamped his authority and ideas on this side from the first World Cup match, and England fans will now approach the game against Ghana with excitement as opposed to anxiety.
