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Thomas Tuchel’s first competitive act as England manager at a major tournament wasn’t a tactical masterstroke or a fiery team talk. It was giving his players permission to see their families.
The German coach arranged for England’s World Cup squad to spend time with family members during the tournament in the US, a move that speaks volumes about his man-management philosophy. And if the 4-2 demolition of Croatia in their opening match on June 17 is anything to go by, the approach is working.
A tale of two halves in Dallas
Tuchel delivered a half-time speech that encouraged his players to adopt a riskier, more attacking style of play. The adjustment worked. England came out for the second half with a fundamentally different energy, turning what had been a cagey affair into a dominant display.
Harry Kane was the headline act, scoring twice in a performance that carried historical weight. His brace brought him level with Gary Lineker’s England World Cup goal record.
The welfare-first philosophy
Before the tournament even kicked off, Tuchel was laying the groundwork for what he wanted this England camp to feel like. He permitted players a day-and-a-half off around June 11-12, just days before the Croatia match. Tuchel reportedly prioritized communal activities alongside the family visits, fostering team spirit through a combination of togetherness and personal space.
Tuchel, who was appointed England’s head coach in January 2025, has had roughly 18 months to build relationships with this squad.
What this means going forward
England’s next match is scheduled against Ghana on June 23, which gives Tuchel six days to prepare. Conceding two goals in an opener is rarely part of any manager’s plan, and Tuchel will need to address whatever breakdowns led to those goals before the competition gets more demanding.
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English (US) · 