What next for England? Tuchel's key challenges after World Cup exit

When the Football Association appointed Thomas Tuchel, the expectation was that England would be a well-drilled, tactically astute side capable of going all the way. Instead, the Three Lions went out with a whimper. Leading Argentina 1-0 deep into the second half of the World Cup semifinal, England switched off. A tactical shift invited pressure, and within minutes they had conceded twice, turning a potential final berth into a 2-1 defeat. It was a cruel ending — and one that leaves Tuchel with serious questions to answer. Next up is a Nations League clash with Spain at Wembley on 26 September. That fixture could have been a rematch of the World Cup final, but England will have to watch Spain face Argentina instead. Also in the Nations League group are Czechia and Croatia. Then, next year, the qualifying campaign for Euro 2028 begins — a tournament England will take part in despite being co-hosts. Tuchel already has a contract extension, but he now has to rebuild his squad and his philosophy. A number of pressing issues require immediate attention. Kane alternatives? A growing concern Harry Kane produced 61 goals last season for Bayern Munich and scored six times at the World Cup. He turns 33 on 28 July, and after the defeat to Argentina said it was too early to talk about playing at the 2030 finals. Kane will likely be around for Euro 2028 — lifting a trophy on home soil might be the perfect finale — but Tuchel needs a Plan B. Only two other centre-forwards were in the World Cup squad: Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Watkins, the top-scoring English striker in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, played just six minutes in the whole tournament — replacing Kane against Panama. Toney got only stoppage time against Argentina. Even Phil Foden tried a false nine role against Uruguay in March, but performed poorly and missed the World Cup. Dominic Solanke (28) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (29) have been used in the last year. Watkins, Calvert-Lewin (14), and the 35-year-old Brighton forward Danny Welbeck (13) were the only English strikers to reach double figures in the Premier League this season. All are into their late twenties or older. Eddie Nketiah, once the Under-21 record scorer, has managed five Premier League goals in two seasons at Crystal Palace. Liam Delap, 23, scored 12 for Ipswich Town in 2024-25 and may get a chance elsewhere. Tuchel may be content to rely on Kane through Euro 2028, but the lack of an understudy is a risk. Why didn't Mainoo get a minute? Kobbie Mainoo arrived in the 26-man squad as a midfield option. Yet when changes were needed in the middle of the park, Tuchel turned to Reece James or even left-back Nico O'Reilly to sit deep. Mainoo returned to Manchester United as the only outfield player who did not play a single minute at the World Cup. If Tuchel did not trust the 21-year-old — who has plenty of time to develop — why take him at all? Adam Wharton (22) and Alex Scott (22) are waiting in the wings, and both might wonder what they need to do to break into the side. Tuchel's job now is to turn those frustrations into solutions. Euro 2028 is on home soil, but the road starts now.