England are back in action. After the heartbreak of the World Cup this summer, the Three Lions open their Nations League campaign by facing Spain on Saturday at Wembley.
The arrival of the reigning world champions on English soil will serve as a stark reminder of how close England came to triumph in North America, reopening the wound that manager Thomas Tuchel described as the lingering scar of the late‑stage errors that cost them in the semi‑final against Argentina. Tuchel has been keen to stress the positives that emerged from England's World Cup run, arguing that the experience gained and the camaraderie forged throughout the tournament have left the squad in a strong position to push forward in the Nations League and eventually target Euro 2028. While the English FA continues to back him—having already extended his contract through the end of the European championships before the World Cup—many observers believe that the forthcoming clash with Spain could be a decisive moment for his tenure.
"It's massive, and for me, it feels like a pivotal moment for Thomas Tuchel," Sky Sports News correspondent Rob Dorsett told presenter Peter Smith on the Essential Football podcast recorded at St George's Park. "If England win this one, he gets a renewed mandate because he’s beaten the world champions.
If they lose, the media will turn on him, saying, ‘You couldn’t beat Argentina, you can’t beat Spain, you only beat France in a dead‑rubber third‑place playoff – you’re supposed to be the big‑game manager.’ There’s a lot at stake for both Tuchel and England." Beyond the result, the pressure is also on the players to deliver an encouraging performance on home turf. After the World Cup, Tuchel sparked debate by claiming that English footballers lack the ability to dominate possession in the same way Spanish players do—a view echoed by England and Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon. Since then, the German coach has hinted that he may need to "embrace the chaos" and lean into England's traditional strengths: a more physical, direct style of play. This mirrors the philosophy he espoused when he first took charge of the national side.
"Tuchel said this when he took the job," Dorsett explained. "Before he even ran an England training session, he said he thought England's players, when they wear the shirt, play with fear, and his mission was to take the handbrake off. He's now saying the same things again after the World Cup, 18 months into his tenure.
He knows, and we know, that he applied the handbrake against Argentina and it backfired." The manager appears to be trying to convince himself—and his squad—that his original approach was correct: to let the players express themselves, to attack, and to shed any lingering inhibition. Hearing Anthony Gordon voice similar sentiments should be music to Tuchel's ears, offering reassurance that at least one key player shares his perspective.
If England can secure a positive result against Spain on September 26, it could reignite optimism about the next phase of Tuchel's project. A win would not only boost morale but also provide tangible proof that the team can compete with the very best, reinforcing the belief that the lessons from the World Cup are being internalised. Conversely, a defeat could deepen doubts and give critics further ammunition to question Tuchel's tactics and his ability to adapt. The fixture list following the Spain game adds further context.
England will travel to face the Czech Republic on September 29, then head to Croatia on October 3, before hosting the Czechs again on October 6. Each match offers an opportunity to refine the balance between possession‑based play and the traditional English directness that Tuchel seems eager to re‑integrate.
In summary, the upcoming encounter with Spain is more than just a Nations League opener; it is a litmus test for Thomas Tuchel's vision for England. A victory would validate his strategic adjustments and grant him a stronger platform to build on, while a loss could intensify scrutiny and pressure ahead of the crucial Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, aware that the outcome may shape the direction of English football for years to come.