What started with high hopes and calls for England to “play with a smile” is now looking more like a reality check for Thomas Tuchel.
His third match in charge didn’t just bring a loss—it brought questions, frustration, and the sense that the honeymoon phase is well and truly over.
From Andorra Concerns to Senegal Defeat
Let’s be real: the warning signs were already there during that scrappy 1-0 win over Andorra.
It might have been a win on paper, but it felt more like a defeat in spirit.
Then came Senegal, and this time there were no illusions—England were flat out beaten, and deservedly so.
Senegal, ranked 19th in the world, didn’t just edge past England—they outplayed them.
Fast, technical, sharp—they exposed England’s lack of rhythm at the City Ground.
It’s worth noting that Gareth Southgate’s team comfortably beat Senegal (and others like Iran) in the last World Cup. But under Tuchel? Different story.
England Look Like They’ve Run Out of Gas
Sure, we can point to the long, draining season. Harry Kane did.
But here’s the thing: the next World Cup also happens at the end of a long, draining season.
Is this the energy level we should expect when it really matters?
England have looked sluggish for a while now. Under Southgate, the team shed a lot of that old burden.
But now? It’s like they’ve picked up the weight again. Watching them is like watching kids forced into school on summer break—low energy, no joy.
You Can’t Just Flick the Switch in a Year
There’s this idea floating around that the team will just “click” next year when it matters. That they’ll suddenly switch on the intensity and form.
But that’s wishful thinking. Football doesn’t work like binge-watching your favourite show—you can’t ignore the work now and expect magic later.
Tuchel and his staff might be deep into data and tracking body metrics, but when players look this flat, no number on a tablet can fix it.
The uncomfortable truth is this: if England keeps playing like this, their ticket to the next tournament won’t be as guaranteed as we think.
Tuchel’s Body Language Says It All
On the sidelines, Tuchel looked… stressed. Agitated. His claps were loud and frequent, almost like he was trying to convince himself more than the players.
And while there were flickers of improvement—some nice buildup from the back—it usually ended in blind alleys.
In one telling moment, Declan Rice passed straight out of bounds.
Tuchel yanked on his cap in frustration, clearly holding back from a full-on meltdown.
When Conor Gallagher had a chance to release Anthony Gordon but instead chose the trickier path to Bukayo Saka, who promptly lost the ball, you could hear the collective groan.
Defensive Issues Exposed Once Again
Let’s talk about defence. Tuchel had three right-backs in his squad on Saturday but didn’t start one.
This time, Kyle Walker got the nod—and gave Tuchel a clear answer: it’s probably time to move on.
Walker’s pace used to be his saving grace, but now, at 34, it’s failing him.
When Senegal equalised just before halftime, it was Walker caught flat-footed against the electric Ismaila Sarr.
And if that’s how he’s holding up now, how will it look when he’s 36 at the next World Cup?
It might be harsh, but it feels like the time has come to hand him a farewell shirt at Wembley—even if he doesn’t quite hit that 100-cap milestone.
Ivan Toney’s Cameo Raises More Questions
And then there was Ivan Toney. Given just two minutes off the bench, it’s hard to see the point.
Was he being tested, or punished? Either he hasn’t impressed in training, or maybe Tuchel just isn’t convinced.
Whatever the reason, his late introduction didn’t scream “trust.”
In fact, very little from these past few matches suggests Tuchel has found many answers.
Fatigue Is Real, But the Excuse Is Getting Old
Yes, the season’s been long. Yes, players are tired. But that doesn’t excuse everything.
Other national teams are dealing with the same fatigue and still finding ways to compete. England look more than tired—they look uninspired.
And Tuchel? He may need more than just tactical tweaks.
He might need a culture shift, a spark, something deeper.
Because right now, England are going backwards—and fast.