Thomas Tuchel ready to start fine-tuning England squad as focus shifts to winning World Cup - After qualification was secured early, attention turns to some difficult decisions over who makes the plan

Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson’s midfield understanding looks to be getting stronger, with both taking turns to drop into the back line to support England’s build-up. Equally, the pair dovetailed excellently, with one of Rice or Anderson snapping into challenges in advanced areas as the other protected their midfield partner behind them.

Thomas Tuchel has done the bare minimum expected of him when he was appointed as England manager one year ago: Qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel has done it with minimal fuss, too, as the Three Lions have won all six of their competitive games to top their qualifying group with two games to spare.

Jude Bellingham was named England's men's Player of the Year for 2024-25. Less than 48 hours later, he was dropped by manager Thomas Tuchel. Why?

In the early 2000s, England’s hopes for a long-awaited international title were enormous. There was constant talk of the much-quoted “Golden Generation.” Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was part of this English team packed with superstars, which also included Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, and Paul Scholes.

The World Cup finals in Russia feel a lot longer than two years ago, especially for an England team, beaten 2-0 by Belgium on Sunday, that have lost their way.

The former Rangers manager made his England debut one day after his 20th birthday, and was part of the squad at Euro 2000. He then scored in the famous 5-1 World Cup qualifying away to Germany, at just 21 years old. However, a groin injury picked up on the last day of the 2001/2002 season ruled him out of the finals.