Thomas Tuchel is the man built for the knockout stages. Back in 2021 when Chelsea appointed Thomas Tuchel mid season after sacking Frank Lampard, I had 0 expectation from Tuchel. Honestly had never heard that much of him before. But oh how he took charge in the middle of the season and transformed how Chelsea played.
He went on to win the Champions League for Chelsea in 2021. Had beaten Real Madrid and Manchester City in semi-final and final. Absolutely bullied Real Madrid in that semi-final in both the legs with a front three of Werner, Mount and Havertz. Look where these players are now and how they are playing.
And mind you at that time Madrid had Benzema and Modric still playing for them.
Gareth Southgate on the other hand made England players play some boring football in the world cup. Almost every other game that England played under Southgate was either 0-0 or a scrappy 1-0 win.
Tuchel has changed that forever. His plan A might not be the best plans in the world but his ability to adapt and change things tactically is one of the best qualities and better than any other manager in the world.
Tuchel has beaten Pep, Klopp, Ancelotti and many other managers.
England from the last 3-4 major tournaments always used to get eliminated in the knock out stages. And for that they got Thomas Tuchel onboarded who is the best in the game for knockout stages.
I'll not be surprised if England goes on to win the World Cup 2026. That's what my instinct and pattern suggests.
