What next for England? How does Tuchel fix key problems for Euro 2028?

England’s World Cup exit to Argentina was not just a defeat—it was a tactical surrender. The Three Lions led through Harry Kane’s penalty, only for Julián Álvarez’s late strike to send them home in the semi-finals. Now, with Thomas Tuchel installed as head coach and Euro 2028 on the horizon, the FA faces a stark reality: the squad that reached Qatar 2024 is ill-equipped for the next cycle. Tuchel’s first real test arrives on September 26, when Spain visit Wembley in the Nations League. This is not just another fixture; it is the first chance to measure whether England’s identity has changed since Qatar.

Rebuilding the spine: Kane’s future and the striker dilemma

Harry Kane turns 33 before Euro 2028, yet his club form remains elite. He scored six goals in Qatar and netted 61 in all competitions for Bayern Munich last season. But Tuchel cannot rely on Kane alone. The captain has already said it is “too early” to discuss 2030, yet Euro 2028 is firmly in view. The question is not whether Kane will play, but who will replace him if he cannot.

Tuchel’s World Cup squad included two other strikers: Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Neither played meaningful minutes. Watkins, the Premier League’s top-scoring English striker last season with 16 goals, managed just six minutes as a substitute against Panama. Toney, also 30, was limited to stoppage time against the same opponent. Phil Foden, deployed as a false nine against Uruguay in March, underperformed so badly that he missed the tournament entirely. The lack of depth up front is now a structural flaw. Tuchel must either find a reliable Plan B or gamble on a younger option emerging before qualifying begins.

Tactical reset: from possession to purpose

The defeat to Argentina exposed England’s inability to control transitions. After taking the lead, they invited pressure and paid the price. Tuchel’s side dominated possession in the first half but lacked the ruthlessness to kill games. Against Spain, who thrive on quick transitions, England’s midfield will face a sterner test. Kalvin Phillips, Conor Gallagher, and Kobbie Mainoo must prove they can dictate tempo without surrendering control.

The Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia, and Croatia offer a chance to refine England’s approach. Spain, in particular, will exploit any hesitation in midfield. Tuchel’s task is to instil a clearer identity—one that balances possession with penetration. The squad’s creativity still relies heavily on Jude Bellingham and Foden, but their form in Qatar showed vulnerability when isolated. A more structured system could mitigate those risks.

The squad’s evolution: who steps forward?

England’s core—Kane, Bellingham, Foden, and Declan Rice—remains intact, but the bench lacks impact. Watkins and Toney’s limited minutes suggest Tuchel favours Kane’s continuity over rotation. Yet the Premier League’s top scorers deserve more trust. Watkins’ club form demands a starting role, while Toney’s physical presence could offer a different dimension. The FA must also consider younger forwards in the next Euros cycle, such as Jarrod Bowen or Anthony Gordon, who can provide fresh legs.

Defensively, the backline’s frailties were exposed against Argentina. The full-backs struggled to recover, and the centre-halves lacked composure under pressure. Lewis Dunk, a late call-up, showed composure, but injuries and form mean Tuchel must find a reliable partner for John Stones. The Nations League window is critical for testing new combinations before Euro 2028 qualifiers begin.

Tuchel’s contract extension signals the FA’s faith in his project, but faith alone will not win trophies. The September Nations League fixtures are the first real test of his vision. If England cannot impose their game against Spain, the questions will intensify. The squad that reached Qatar is aging, and the next cycle demands a clearer plan. Tuchel must decide: does he double down on Kane’s longevity, or does he gamble on a new generation? The answer will shape England’s future.