World Cup 2026: Lee Carsley believes England and Thomas Tuchel are in ‘good position’ to win trophy
Lee Carsley says England are in “a good position” to win the 2026 World Cup under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
German Tuchel takes up his new role on 1 January after being handed an 18-month contract by the Football Association.
The 51-year-old has been tasked with ending England’s long wait for a major trophy – and outgoing interim boss Carsley believes the squad can succeed at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“I think we are in a good position to do that,” he said. “I think we have the talent to do it.
“We have got all of the tools. We just need to play them in the order.”
Carsley clinched England’s promotion to Nations League A with five wins from his six games in charge after replacing Gareth Southgate. He also gave debuts to eight players during his temporary spell, including Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The 50-year-old’s tenure ended with Sunday’s emphatic 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium.
“Thomas’ pool of players has increased so we have left the squad in a fantastic position,” added Carsley, who will return to his job as boss of the England Under-21s side.
“I have been lucky now to be at the last couple of World Cups and the timing of the players being in form, physically and mentally, at the right time, picking the right squad.”
Carsley is unsure when he will meet up with former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel to discuss the players, but admitted “the sooner the better”.
“We will collate our thoughts, along with the rest of the players in terms of handing over something he can read and look through that’s valuable,” he said.
“And then we’ll step back to support him.”
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford agreed there is “new energy” surrounding the team, which will lead to “a lot of competition for places”.
“But that’s what it’s about,” added the Everton player. “You want the best players for England at the right moment, and hopefully going forward next year we’ve got that squad ready to win.”
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