Thomas Tuchel faces intense pressure to guide England to at least the World Cup semi-finals as the tournament begins in Dallas on June 17. Expectations for the national team have risen markedly since the era of previous managers, with Tuchel tasked with building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Sir Gareth Southgate.

Southgate transformed England’s approach to major tournaments by dismantling the historical “weight of the shirt” that had long burdened the Three Lions. Between 2018 and 2024, the team reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, and the Euro 2024 final, achievements that no prior England manager has matched. Although ultimate victory eluded the team, this consistent progress altered national expectations significantly.

Tuchel, appointed to deliver the breakthrough Southgate could not achieve, enters his first World Cup with a squad widely regarded as having the talent needed to contend for the title. Key to this is the return to form of captain Harry Kane, who is seen as a critical offensive and defensive asset, and Jude Bellingham, who arrives in the United States with renewed determination following a mixed Euro 2024 campaign impacted by fitness issues.

The German manager’s squad selection choices have not been without controversy. Notable omissions include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Adam Wharton, and Morgan Gibbs-White. These decisions, made solely by Tuchel, reflect his vision for the team but also place responsibility squarely on his shoulders should results fall short.

England’s opening match against Croatia at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium presents a significant test. Croatia’s side features experienced players like Luka Modric, who remains influential despite approaching 41, and younger talents such as Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City and Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic. England will likely aim to exploit the aging Modric by leveraging their physicality and pace.

The two teams most recently met at Euro 2020, where England secured a victory that bolstered belief in their capability to reach a major final. Tuchel’s squad impressed in a pre-tournament friendly with a dominant display against Costa Rica in Orlando, though the stakes in Dallas mark a decisive shift from preparation to performance.

As the tournament unfolds, Tuchel’s mandate is clear: anything less than reaching the semi-finals will be considered a shortfall given the resources and talent at his disposal. The spotlight is firmly on the England manager to translate potential into tangible success on football’s biggest stage.