Analysing the similarities and differences between how Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel led England.

Tuchel was named England manager in October 2024 and took charge in January 2025 England'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. Here we take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the approaches of Southgate and his successor Thomas Tuchel. The 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. 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.