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 took over on January 1 after signing an 18-month contract with the Football Association.
The 51-year-old will be tasked with ending England’s long wait for major trophies, with outgoing interim boss Carsley confident the side can succeed in tournaments in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“I think we have the ability to do this,” he said. “I think we have the ability to do that.
“We already have all the tools. We just have to use them in order.”
Carsley led England to five wins in six games after replacing Gareth Southgate, helping England gain promotion to the National League One. He also gave debuts to eight players during his interim spell, including Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The 50-year-old’s term ends on Sunday 5-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland above Wembley Stadium.
“Thomas has increased the number of players so we’ve put the team in a really good position,” added Carsley, who will return as England Under-21 boss.
“I’ve been lucky enough now to play in the last few World Cups where the players have been in shape physically and mentally, picking the right squad at the right time.”
Carsley is unsure when he will meet with former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel to discuss player matters but admitted “the sooner the better”.
“We’ll work with the other players to sort out our thoughts and give him something of value that he can read and look through,” he said.
“Then we’ll step back and support him.”
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford agrees there is a “new energy” around the squad which will lead to “a lot of competition for places”.
“But that’s the problem,” the Everton player added. “You want England to have the best players at the right moments and hopefully next year we’ve got this team ready to win.”
