Why Thomas Tuchel's flexibility will be crucial to England in World Cup latter stages

"In these moments, we can count on Jude (Bellingham), he loves high-stakes matches, it brings out the best in him", said Tuchel after the 4-2 win over Croatia in the opening group match.

But what if it’s actually the manager that the Three Lions can really rely on? As the tournament goes on, the German coach is proving he knows exactly what he’s doing and is giving England growing hope of finally bringing the trophy home again.

Right from the start, Tuchel’s team impressed with their intent both with and without the ball against the Croats. But the momentum faded when the English side once again struggled to impose themselves on matches.

Against Ghana (0-0) and Panama (2-0), Harry Kane and his teammates took their time to make the difference. Above all, they didn’t create much going forward, even though they were up against sides far less equipped in every department.

That didn’t stop them qualifying for the knockout stage. And the Democratic Republic of Congo gave Tuchel and his staff a real scare, with their number nine and captain coming to the rescue again (2-1). 

Once again, the basic set-up of the former Paris Saint-Germain coach didn’t really hit the mark. Nevertheless, this is where it gets interesting: he was able to directly influence the outcome of the match.

And he once again made decisive changes in the last 16 against Mexico (3-2) to seal one of the Three Lions' great World Cup wins.

Having taken charge of this England side a year and a half ago, his task was to give a more recognisable playing identity to a squad packed with extraordinary talent.

In the past, the Three Lions have often failed to make the most of their qualities, and Tuchel was expected to succeed where his predecessors had failed. The 52-year-old German may well be on the path to an invaluable triumph.

Tuchel and his moves ahead of the game

For several years – despite some fine runs – Gareth Southgate probably lacked a clear game plan to lift a major trophy, or at least the ability to finally get England over the line.

This was evident in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, then in the finals of Euro 2021 and 2024, as well as in the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup. With Tuchel, the aim is to break that run.

The country that invented football wants (and needs) to restore its place at the top of the game. So, what needs to be done to achieve that?

Beat Norway, then potentially Argentina in the next round – which will take place next Wednesday. With Tuchel at the helm, the idea is to play a more modern brand of football, where physical effort is never spared and intensity is demanded at every moment.

So far, it’s working pretty well, especially with Bellingham and his teammates are showing unshakeable commitment - read more on the Real Madrid star's influence here.

Mexico paid the price, as did DR Congo, who cracked in the final quarter of an hour. And to allow Kane to score his brilliant brace, his manager brought on one man in particular: Anthony Gordon.

Overall, England have struggled to be truly effective out wide. Yet, on paper, the options are top quality with Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke and, of course, Gordon.

In the last 16, it was Rashford and Madueke, but the former was denied by opposing keeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and the latter didn’t have a good game. On the hour mark, the new FC Barcelona signing came on and made the difference within eleven minutes, delivering a superb cross for the equaliser and then finding his captain again just minutes later.

A decisive move from Tuchel, who made another in the last 16 when he needed to shore up the defence against a Mexican onslaught after Jarell Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute.

With a one-goal lead at that point, then two six minutes later thanks to Kane, the Three Lions held on until the end, despite Raul Jimenez pulling one back.

It was probably the decision to bring on the Newcastle centre-back Dan Burn in place of midfielder Elliot Anderson in the 75th minute that made the difference.

With Mexico sending in cross after cross, the two metre tall giant repelled the siege in an Azteca Stadium packed to the rafters in support of the home side. It’s all the more striking when you consider that the decision to include Burn in the squad had raised plenty of eyebrows before the tournament began.

Now, the question is what Tuchel might come up with to help England reach only the fourth World Cup semi-final in their history… A German could soon become an English hero.

Follow England's clash with Norway here!