Lee Carsley says England are in “a good position” to win the 2026 World Cup under new coach Thomas Tuchel.
Germany’s Tuchel will take up his new role on January 1 after being awarded an 18-month contract by the Football Association.
The 51-year-old is tasked with ending England’s long wait for a major trophy, and outgoing interim manager Carsley believes the team can triumph at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“I think we’re in a good position to do that,” he said. “I think we have the talent to do it.
“We have all the tools. We just have to use them in order.”
Carsley secured England’s promotion to Nations League A with five wins in his six games in charge after replacing Gareth Southgate. He also gave debuts to eight players during his temporary spell, including Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The 50-year-old’s tenure ended with Sunday’s emphatic 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium.
“Thomas’ group of players has increased so we have left the team in a fantastic position,” added Carsley, who will return to his role as England Under-21 coach.
“I have been lucky to be in the last World Cups and that the players were in shape, physically and mentally, at the right time, choosing the right team.”
Carsley is unsure when he will meet former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Tuchel to discuss the players, but admitted “the sooner the better.”
“We’ll cross-reference our ideas, along with the rest of the players, in terms of giving you something that you can read and review and that’s valuable,” he said.
“And then we’ll step back to support him.”
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford agreed that there is “new energy” around the team, which will generate “a lot of competition for places.”
“But that’s what it’s about,” added the Everton player. “You want the best players for England at the right time and hopefully next year we will have that team ready to win.”
