The Rest Is Football England Sail Through To 2026 World Cup
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Oct 15, 2025 The hosts dive into England's impressive qualifying performance, debating the excitement of their perfect record against varied opposition. They discuss Thomas Tuchel's tactical impact and the team's high pressing strategy. There's a lively conversation about the need for reform in European qualifying formats. Players like Gordon, Kane, and Watkins stand out, along with rising star Elliot Anderson. As they ponder England's prospects for the World Cup, they also highlight surprising outcomes from other nations' qualifiers.
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Qualifying Dominance Is Not Definitive
- England's perfect qualifying record shows dominance but not definitive tournament strength.
- Quality of opposition matters, so qualifying form isn't a guaranteed World Cup predictor.
Comfortable Wins Reduce Fan Jeopardy
- Comfortable wins reduce jeopardy and therefore limit genuine excitement for fans.
- High possession and attacking dominance still don't replicate tests against top nations.
Push For Tougher Qualifying Formats
- Change qualifying formats to force stronger matchups and maintain competitive edge.
- Consider league or Nations League-style promotion to face better opposition regularly.