Tuchel’s Expectations for Kane in England Setup
Thomas Tuchel is set to have a crucial discussion with striker Harry Kane regarding his role during matches, emphasizing the need for him to refrain from dropping too deep. As the new manager of the England national team, Tuchel has made it clear that Kane must adapt to the intense high-pressing style expected in this setup if he wants to maintain his position in the squad. Despite his recent criticisms, Kane has continued to showcase his remarkable scoring ability since joining Bayern Munich in 2023.
In Germany, some have pointed fingers at Kane for not delivering when facing stronger opponents, leading to questions about his work rate. This scrutiny echoes previous concerns raised during last summer’s European Championship, where, despite his three goals propelling England to the final, some felt his style slowed the team down. Tuchel’s approach is characterized by an aggressive high press that demands forwards exert significant effort to apply pressure on opponents.
“First and foremost, he contributes goals,” Tuchel stated. “That’s what he has done for years at the highest level. This is exceptional, and it’s the foundation of his career. Our expectations are sky-high now that he’s with us. As our captain, he must exemplify leadership and set the standard within the group.”
Tuchel acknowledged that while Kane may not be the most vocal or emotional leader on the pitch, the expectations for him to perform at his best are significant. “In terms of game intensity, pressing, and closing down the opposition, we won’t make exceptions,” he noted. “He has to rise to the occasion, and I know Harry as a top professional who meets the demands placed on him, as he has shown at Bayern Munich, where they employ a very high press approach.”
To optimize Kane’s performance in Tuchel’s system, the manager will advise the striker against retreating into central midfield. “I noticed him dropping deeper and deeper in games for England, which may not align with what we envision for him,” Tuchel explained. “When I worked with Harry at Bayern, we established a clear plan for his role. He followed that plan diligently. While it’s acceptable for him to drop as a No. 9, it shouldn’t be to a No. 6 position. Dropping back to a No. 10 role, turning, and shooting from distance is encouraged, but we need to ensure that there’s enough speed and positioning around him to exploit the available space.”
Tuchel’s Strategic Selection Process
As Tuchel embarks on the task of constructing a squad capable of clinching the World Cup in 18 months, he made some notable choices in his first squad announcement. This includes a surprising return for Jordan Henderson, an olive branch extended to Marcus Rashford, and a debut call-up for 32-year-old defender Dan Burn from Newcastle United.
Tuchel expressed that Henderson, who will be 36 by the time the World Cup begins, “will play a significant role in the puzzle” of building his squad, highlighting the importance of his leadership qualities off the pitch in supporting younger players. He also commended Rashford’s resurgence at Aston Villa, where he is revitalizing his career on loan from Manchester United, noting that he called him up to foster a relationship and to convey that while he’s off to a good start, he needs to keep progressing.
Tuchel opted for Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke over Ivan Toney, stating that although it was a close call, it was purely a sporting decision and not influenced by Toney’s move to the Saudi Pro League.
“It was a very close decision, but it was a sporting one,” Tuchel emphasized. “It had nothing to do with his league affiliation or doubts about the level of competition there.”
Tuchel’s National Anthem Stance
In a show of respect, Tuchel revealed that he would refrain from singing the national anthem until he feels he has earned the honor. “The national anthem carries immense power, emotion, and significance. I couldn’t be prouder to lead the English national team, and it means everything to me,” he shared. “However, I believe I must earn the right to sing it. It’s not something to be taken for granted. That’s why I’ve decided not to sing it in my initial matches. I’ll earn that privilege through results, by building a cohesive group, and fulfilling my responsibilities properly.”
Tuchel’s Tactical Philosophy
By James Gray, Sports News Correspondent
Kane stands as England’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 69 goals in 103 caps, and has served as captain for nearly seven years. Stripping him of that title would have been a bold and potentially divisive move. However, Tuchel recognizes that he cannot simply hand Kane the armband, wind him up, and expect results. The scrutiny surrounding Kane’s performance in major tournaments is considerable, and unlocking his full potential will be a key focus for the former Chelsea manager.
In a particularly bleak match against Serbia at Euro 2024, Kane managed only two touches in the first half. In the second half, he dropped deeper to seek involvement. While England secured a 1-0 victory, Kane’s average position in the second half was within the center-circle, indicating a lack of engagement in the attacking phase. The player who passed to him most frequently during that match? Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, illustrating Kane’s struggles when out of form.
Tuchel’s approach to addressing this issue can be found in his impressive managerial history. He has held positions at prestigious clubs including Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich before taking the reins from Gareth Southgate. Throughout his career, Tuchel has demonstrated tactical fluidity and adaptability, building systems that showcase the talents of his players.
“The attacking system is a framework that allows individual brilliance to flourish,” Tuchel has stated, emphasizing that it is not rigid but serves as a guide. His focus tends to be on the No. 10 positions, creating opportunities for two talented players to operate alongside a central striker and wingers.
Players like Ilkay Gundogan, Shinji Kagawa, Neymar, and Angel di Maria thrived under his guidance, while Mason Mount enjoyed one of his best seasons in Tuchel’s Chelsea setup. However, during his final days at Bayern, Tuchel voiced frustrations over the difficulty in getting the ball to Kane. “We are dissatisfied with our ability to find him during matches,” he remarked in February last year. “I have rarely, if ever, witnessed such a gap between training performances and match outcomes. His scoring ability, leadership, and overall impact are nothing short of world-class.”
As England prepares to adopt varying formations, be it 3-4-2-1, 4-3-3, or 4-2-3-1, one can expect to see players like Jude Bellingham, alongside Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, or even Declan Rice, acting as creative figures orchestrating England’s attacking play. Tuchel has always trusted his strategies, focusing on maximizing the potential of players like Kane through his coaching philosophy. His track record shows that he consistently enhances player performance, having increased possession and scoring rates at every club he has managed.
