By Dieudonne Tebit | March 22, 2025

England’s 2-0 win over Albania in their first outing under new manager Thomas Tuchel marked the beginning of a new chapter not perfect, but promising. While the scoreline flattered at times, the match revealed glimpses of Tuchel's vision for the national team, blending youth, structure, and a demanding tactical identity. With eyes set on World Cup 2026, the former Chelsea and PSG boss has a massive task ahead rebuilding a side often accused of underachieving despite its golden generation.

Here’s how Tuchel can continue to improve England’s performance, using the Albania match as a reference point.

 
Instilling Tactical Discipline and Flexibility
Against Albania, Tuchel deployed a back four but constantly shifted shape in possession. His hallmark tactical fluidity a strength from his club days was on display as England transitioned smoothly between a 4-3-3 and a 3-2-5 buildup. Myles Lewis-Skelly, deployed in midfield on debut, tucked into deeper positions to allow full-backs to push high.

This is a marked shift from Gareth Southgate’s rigid 4-2-3-1, showing that Tuchel wants a more dynamic England. The next step? Embedding this fluidity across the squad so that every player understands their shifting role based on game phases.

 
High Pressing and Positional Play
Tuchel emphasized pressing from the front especially visible in the opening 20 minutes. England regained possession high up the pitch and created chances early, leading to Lewis-Skelly’s historic goal. However, the intensity faded in the second half.

To improve, Tuchel must instill the endurance and coordination needed to press consistently for 90 minutes. The Albania game showed that when England pressed as a unit, they dominated. But when individual efforts replaced structure, they became vulnerable on the counter.

Trusting Youth While Demanding More from Veterans
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s assured debut sent a clear message: age won’t block opportunity under Tuchel. The Arsenal teen wasn’t just included he was central to Tuchel’s plan, controlling the tempo and scoring on debut. His fearless display highlighted what Tuchel wants courageous, intelligent footballers who follow instructions but play with flair.

On the other hand, established stars like Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden underperformed. Rashford looked off pace; Foden, once again, couldn’t replicate his club brilliance. Tuchel didn’t hesitate to express his disappointment post-match.

If England is to improve, Tuchel must continue this balance integrating hungry youth who play with purpose and reigniting fire under senior players who have become complacent in national colors.

 
Improving Final-Third Efficiency
Despite dominating possession and winning comfortably, England could have and should have scored more. Too often, the final pass lacked intent, and off-the-ball movement was predictable. Even Harry Kane’s goal, while well-taken, came more from individual class than collective brilliance.

Tuchel will need to drill more cohesion into attacking patterns, encouraging quicker transitions and braver final-third decisions. The Albania match showed potential, but it lacked the ruthless edge of a top international side.

 
Building a Fearless, Fluid Identity
Perhaps the most exciting element of Tuchel’s debut match was the return of unpredictability. England looked different fresher, more adaptable, more experimental. There was risk, but with risk came creativity.

Tuchel’s task now is to build consistency on top of that freshness. Instill a culture where playing out from the back, rotating positions, and attacking with flair isn’t just allowed it’s expected. Players like Bellingham, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, and Saka fit that identity. The job is to get the rest of the squad on board.

 
Final Thoughts
The win over Albania was a glimpse not a full picture of what Thomas Tuchel’s England could become. It showed tactical bravery, youth development, and the seeds of a new identity. But it also exposed old issues: a lack of sharpness in attack, inconsistent pressing, and questions over certain senior players.

If Tuchel continues to innovate, demand accountability, and trust his system over reputation, England could not only return to winning ways they could finally fulfill their long-hyped potential on the global stage.