Thomas Tuchel has clearly indicated that he desires England’s players to communicate on the pitch, particularly when the match is challenging. Tuchel is emphasizing the importance of both vocal and non-verbal communication within his team as he sets about his mission to take England to World Cup victory next year.
The new head coach demonstrated his argument by putting on a detailed explanation of the loss in the Euro 2024 final to Spain. One of the striking observations from the match statistics was how much the rate of communication fell in the second half. Tuchel showed his players a graph indicating how English interactions on the field fell significantly after halftime, a pattern that coincided with Spain taking control of the game.
As Tuchel gets his team set for their next World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley, he has prioritized solving this problem. In a team meeting at St George’s Park, he pointed out how England’s communication decreased from 60 occurrences in the first half to only 35 in the second half. It was this fall, he feels, that helped the team fumble after going behind early in the second half. Jordan Pickford, England’s veteran goalkeeper, conceded the coach’s apprehensions, observing that Spain’s mastery in the second half made it challenging for England to get back in the game.
Morgan Rogers likewise cited the value of communication when explaining what Tuchel had emphasized during training. “It’s all about speaking, particularly when momentum changes during a game. We must stay together,” he explained. “It may not always go entirely right, but keeping everyone together and ensuring that we’re all on the same page can make a massive difference.”
The Aston Villa striker spoke from personal experience, citing the difference that good leadership has made in his life at club level. “Having someone constantly speaking to you in the middle of a game helps tremendously,” he claimed. “Something I’ve become aware of during my career is that the most successful teams that I’ve been a part of had leaders that ensured everyone was kept going no matter how desperate things got.”
Tuchel’s message has been plain since he came in. At a team meeting on Monday evening, he told the players about the values that he wants them to have, stressing unity and commitment. Rogers remembered how Tuchel outlined his vision for England, speaking of his need to build a close-knit team that acts like a family. “The one thing that has stuck with me is the feeling of unity he wants from us. He wants a tight, together team where everyone is rowing in the same direction,” Rogers said.
Rogers’ experience started a few weeks ago when he first interacted with the German boss via a Zoom conference call. The young striker, who made his first England appearance against Greece when interim boss Lee Carsley was at the helm, wore a suit and tie for the virtual call, eager to make a good first impression. That initial discussion was around 15 minutes, but it was sufficient for Rogers to get the high standards Tuchel has set. The two have been in constant touch ever since, and Rogers has been impressed by Tuchel’s strategy.
“When I first met him, there was something about him,” Rogers explained. “It’s difficult to put my finger on it, but he has a certain amount of confidence and respect that makes you sit up and take notice. He’s remained calm and relaxed, but when it comes to work, he’s business as usual.
That reputation has been richly deserved. Tuchel’s record speaks for itself, having coached some of the largest clubs in Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. Players and coaches who have worked under him speak highly of him, and Rogers is keen to learn from him.
You know what he has done in the game, and you see the amount of respect that he gets from players and managers,” Rogers went on. “It’s evident that he has some very definite ideas about how to make this team better, and it’s down to us to take all of that in and implement it on the pitch.
With England gearing up for its new chapter with Tuchel in charge, the focus on communication may be the determining element. His attention to detail and adherence to creating a more outspoken team may be the difference-maker in unleashing the full potential of the squad. Though talent and tactical discipline are important, it is Tuchel’s conviction that the capability to communicate, coordinate, and motivate each other in the here and now might be the make-or-break element at the highest level.
England’s players will have to take this attitude as a new era dawns and the World Cup looms. Tuchel will be watching closely not just their play but also how they can talk under pressure when they face Albania, which will be the first test of their progress. England might be heading towards acquiring the unity and toughness needed to compete with the world’s best teams if his counsel is taken.
