The key differences between Tuchel and Southgate's England teams

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. The key differences between Tuchel and Southgate's England teamsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tuchel was named England manager in October 2024 and took charge in January 2025ByUmir Irfan Football tactics correspondentPublished2 hours agoEngland's opening World Cup match - a 4-2 win over Croatia - was an intense 90 minutes that was a departure from the more measured approach fans had become used to under Gareth Southgate. Football is ultimately about results, of course, and Southgate turned England into an international team capable of making deep runs in tournaments - leading them to the final of the European Championship in both 2021 and 2024. But for many, style matters too.

Here we take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the approaches of Southgate and his successor Thomas Tuchel. Player first v system firstThe most obvious change since Tuchel's appointment has been his willingness to leave star names out of the squad. At times during Euro 2024, Southgate's England had Phil Foden on the left wing, Cole Palmer in attacking midfield and Trent Alexander-Arnold in holding midfield.

The Details

Tuchel left all three out of his World Cup squad. In simple terms, this can be explained as Tuchel taking a system-first approach while Southgate took a player-first approach. Tuchel decided on a clear system and a set of tactics he wanted to use, then looked at the players who could best carry out the roles he wanted - irrespective of name.

It is one of the reasons Morgan Rogers - more suited to what Tuchel wants from his number 10 - was picked over Foden and Palmer. Southgate appeared to look at the best individuals he could select before trying to build a system around them, and at times was questioned for shoehorning players into roles they were not perfect fits for. That is partly why we saw changes to the starting XI and system mid-tournament under Southgate.

Both approaches have proved successful throughout football and come with their own pros and cons. England v GhanaFifa World Cup 202623 June, 21:00 BST Watch on iPlayer Listen on SoundsWatch on One, iPlayer and the Sport website and app from 20:00 BST and listen to commentary on Radio 5 Live and Sounds. Live text commentary, analysis and video highlights on the Sport website and app.

What Experts Say

While Tuchel has created a system in which each player's role is clear, Southgate instead encouraged individuals to solve problems - reading the game as it happened. Including big names across the pitch therefore made sense, with their individual quality helping England produce game-changing moments. Think Jude Bellingham's bicycle kick against Slovakia, or the long-range finish from Cole Palmer against Spain.

Bellingham did score an individually brilliant goal in last week's opener against Croatia, but it came on the back of a well-worked attacking routine England have developed over the course of Tuchel's reign.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.