“It’s all about his team” - Paul Scholes makes bold claim on England’s 2026 World Cup chances under ‘ruthless’ Tuchel

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes England can win the FIFA World Cup under Thomas Tuchel. He believes that the German coach has been ruthless and is ensuring that they play as a team without caring about individual status.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said that teams will struggle in the United States due to the heat, but believes Tuchel's tactics for England would work well because they keep possession and do not need to chase the ball constantly. He claimed that it would help the players keep their fitness and thus have a good chance of winning the World Cup next summer. He said:

"I really think they will win the World Cup, I do honestly. Now look, they've got to still beat the teams they probably don't expect to beat, which they haven't done, but I think the manager is brilliant as well. I think this manager is the one that could get them over the line. I know a lot of people are saying about 'it's in America, it's going to be boiling', but so what? We have like 65, 70 per cent possession every time that team." "If it was our team (back when Scholes was playing) with 30, 40 per cent possession, no chance in America, but this team they keep the ball all day long. Gareth (Southgate) did a great job to bring the squad together, the trouble he had then was going to that next level and actually winning something, beating one of them better teams. Now, we've got a manager who is ruthless and he doesn't care. It's all about his team, it's not about individuals. I love the way he's going about it."

England have sealed their place at next summer's FIFA World Cup after winning all eight qualifiers. The Three Lions scored 22 goals in their matches and conceded zero.

England star will miss out on FIFA World Cup squad, claims Wayne Rooney

England legend Wayne Rooney believes Everton loanee Jack Grealish will not make Thomas Tuchel's FIFA World Cup squad. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former striker claimed that the manager has hinted at his preference by not calling up the Manchester City star in recent qualifiers. He said:

"Jack Grealish may as well book his holiday for the summer now because he's not getting in the squad. You think Andy Gordon dropped out and he still doesn't get called into it, so I think Thomas Tuchel is quite set."

Jack Grealish last played for England in 2024, in the 3-1 win over Finland in the UEFA Nations League. He has not played under Thomas Tuchel since the German took charge earlier this year.

Edited by Sripad