England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to continue in his role until Euro 2028, with the Football Association keen to see him lead the Three Lions into a home European Championship. Despite a World Cup semi-final defeat, attention is already turning to how England can evolve over the next two years to maximise their chances of winning the tournament on home soil. This preparation is expected to involve significant squad adjustments and a potential tactical shift to address identified weaknesses.
One of the primary areas for consideration is the squad's age profile. Veterans like Jordan Henderson, who will be 38, and Dan Burn, 36, by Euro 2028, are unlikely to feature. While Harry Kane, who turns 35 after the tournament, is expected to remain and potentially reach his 100th England goal, questions remain over his successor and the peak window for players like Jude Bellingham. The fitness and club status of John Stones, now 32 and currently clubless, also present a challenge, with only Kane and Jordan Pickford appearing as likely constants from the 2018 World Cup to 2028.
Tactically, the World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina highlighted a need for refinement. Tuchel's 'Plan B' of retreating and defending a lead proved costly. There's a growing sentiment that a greater emphasis on possession, similar to the style of potential World Cup winners Spain, could be beneficial. England's 54 per cent possession share in the recent tournament was notably lower than Spain's 63 per cent, suggesting a strategic shift towards more controlled play might be explored.
The upcoming years are expected to see a reintegration of several key players who were omitted or given limited roles in recent tournaments. Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among those who could be recalled and given more prominent roles. The abundance of attacking midfielders means tough decisions persist, but Alexander-Arnold's inclusion, especially given the persistent injury concerns surrounding Reece James, appears increasingly necessary. Young talents like Levi Colwill, who missed much of the recent season through injury, are also being considered for defensive roles, particularly as a ball-playing left-footed centre-back.
In midfield, a generational shift is anticipated. The effectiveness of a veteran presence combined with emerging talents like Kobbie Mainoo, who saw no playing time, is under scrutiny. Future squads are likely to feature more young deputies or alternatives to Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, with Mainoo, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott all tipped for increased involvement. The attacking midfield landscape could also see Jude Bellingham drop deeper, allowing players such as Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Palmer, or Foden to operate as a No. 10, potentially alongside Jobe Bellingham if he continues his development.
Finally, the full-back positions remain a focus. Djed Spence emerged as a success story on the right, noted for his pace. On the left, the very different profile of Myles Lewis-Skelly was an early choice for Tuchel, suggesting an ongoing assessment of options in this crucial area. Addressing these defensive flanks, alongside the midfield and attacking recalibrations, will be central to England's strategy for Euro 2028.