England manager Thomas Tuchel and captain Harry Kane speaking before the first World Cup qualifying match against Albania on Friday.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has claimed that the team struggled to live up to expectations at Euro 2024 because they played with a “fear” of losing and lacked the “hunger” to win. The Three Lions, under Gareth Southgate,

"I felt tension and pressure on the shoulders of the players," Tuchel said on Thursday. "They were more afraid."

England’s road to next summer’s World Cup begins this evening when Albania arrive at Wembley.Thomas Tuchel takes charge of England for the first time as the Three Lions begin their World Cup

Thomas Tuchel will take charge of his first England match on Friday when they host Albania at Wembley Stadium in the team's first World Cup qualifier. They are also alongside Andorra, Latvia and Servia in in Group K.

Thomas Tuchel will name his first England XI tonight as the Three Lions line up against Albania in their 2026 World Cup qualifier. Five months on from his official appointment, the German coach has had his first opportunity to work with the group at St George’s Park this week.