Thomas Tuchel’s England era begins – Football Weekly Extra podcast
Mar 20, 2025
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Join football experts Jonathan Wilson, Lars Sivertsen, and Jordan Jarrett-Bryan as they dive into Thomas Tuchel’s new era with the England national team. They tackle the complexity of player selection and communication issues while looking ahead to World Cup qualifiers. The conversation also ventures into the struggles of masculinity affecting young men today, and how football can play a part in combating climate change. Plus, they reflect on the Nations League’s impact on smaller nations and community engagement in sustainability efforts.
Thomas Tuchel underscores the importance of communication and unity within the England team to enhance performance in challenging match situations.
The inclusion of Jordan Henderson in the squad sparks debates about balancing leadership experience with merit, crucial for team discipline and cohesion.
The Nations League provides smaller nations like Scotland vital opportunities for growth while intertwining competition with financial incentives for future tournaments.
Deep dives
The Remarkable Paper Pro: A Distraction-Free Tool
The Remarkable Paper Pro tablet is designed to enhance focus and productivity by imitating the experience of writing on traditional paper while incorporating digital functionalities. Its minimalist design eliminates distractions, such as social media and apps, which can often divert users when working on conventional devices. Key features include handwriting conversion, productivity templates, and an integrated reading light, making it suitable for various work tasks. The device encourages users to engage deeply with their work, promoting better thinking and creativity without the usual interruptions found in digital environments.
Thomas Tuchel's Vision for England
Thomas Tuchel emphasizes the importance of communication within the England football team, particularly during challenging moments in matches. His goal is to foster a sense of unity among players, conveying that establishing a collective identity is crucial for successful tournament play. England's qualifying group poses potential challenges, notably from teams like Serbia and Albania, but the focus remains on qualifying rather than achieving specific scorelines. Tuchel's selection strategy suggests a balance between integrating experienced players and nurturing emerging talent, aiming for consistency in preparation for the World Cup.
Leadership Challenges and Player Dynamics
Jordan Henderson's inclusion in the England squad raises discussions about leadership versus footballing merit, hinting at the need for experience to maintain team discipline. This highlights a broader issue within the England squad where having too many choices can complicate selection, particularly in crucial positions like defensive midfield. The ongoing challenge is to find the right balance between nurturing new talent and maintaining the cohesion of the team, which was perceived as lacking during previous tournaments. Henderson's role may be more about stabilizing the atmosphere and guiding younger players rather than strictly performing on the pitch.
Nations League: Importance for Smaller Nations
The Nations League offers smaller football nations an opportunity to secure qualifying spots for major tournaments, affecting their positioning and potential funding. Teams like Scotland and the Republic of Ireland are strategizing not only for immediate survival in their respective leagues but also for long-term growth and exposure to higher levels of competition. The psychological aspect of balancing competition against financial incentives adds layers to how these teams perceive their matches. Although it's a complex scenario, the Nations League acts as both a platform for improvement and a potential gateway to future tournaments.
Confronting the Climate Crisis in Football
Initiatives like Green Football's Great Save are central to addressing climate change within the football community, showcasing how grassroots movements can drive substantial change. The campaign encourages fans, clubs, and players to work collectively to raise awareness and take tangible actions to mitigate climate impacts on the sport. Environmental concerns are leading to significant shifts, such as clubs adopting sustainable practices and materials, emphasizing the potential for cultural transformation within football. The message is clear: whether through individual actions or broader community efforts, all participants in football have the capacity to influence environmental sustainability and protect the future of the game.
Max Rushden is joined by Jonathan Wilson, Lars Sivertsen and Jordan Jarrett-Bryan as they preview the international break. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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