Thomas Tuchel and the gut-feeling of trust despite bold and brave England calls

England meet Croatia, once again, with Ghana and Panama providing the other two tests. There is no arrogance in saying Thomas Tuchel’s men ought to finish top of their group. On the back of reaching two finals, one quarter-final and one semi-final, there has been no shying away from England’s aim this time: win.

That was the reason for appointing Tuchel - to get over the line Gareth Southgate came so close to doing, but ultimately could not. The German is an elite manager; undoubtedly one of the strongest at this tournament. Time will tell whether Tuchel becomes the added force, and makes significant in-game impact, but there is reason to believe in him.

And yet, this is a brand new chapter for England. While there was doubt in the nation taking that last step under Southgate, he instilled an expectation of going deep in tournaments. The memories and moments his team gave us were incredible, unforgettable. Tuchel and co will need to get a lot right, just to get into the same positions as Southgate’s England.

Eyebrows were very much raised when Tuchel named his squad on May 22, with several big names left behind: Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and the in-form Morgan Gibbs White, just to name a few. Understandably, some of those calls will still not sit right with a lot of England fans.

But in a strange way there is an air of fascination around the 26 Tuchel has gone with: a man who has been brought in to win, doing it his own way in every sense. He has gone big on physicality and power, ensuring a range of tools are at his disposal for the challenges any given game may present. Whatever you throw at us, we will be ready.

It’s brave and bold but your gut just tells you to trust some managers, and Tuchel fits into that category. He demanded to the players, directly, to become the ‘toughest group in the world’, whom ‘nobody wants to play against’. Costa Rica were tame opposition but England cranked up the levels and we got a glimpse into his vision.

In the scorching heat, with one game extra game to play, the Three Lions’ ultimate test may well end up being a familiar one: having to beat a big nation who keep possession for fun. That is where England teams have come undone in the past. How this particular squad combats that will be the big question mark.

The competition is fierce. Unsurprisingly, Spain and France will be the two favourites, Portugal have quality in abundance and outside of Europe, few will write off Argentina and/or Brazil. After sixty years of hurt it’s natural to doubt whether England can, at last, go all the way.

But this is a squad stacked with talent, capable of beating anyone on their day. Harry Kane scored 61 goals last year; that’s quite good. Manchester City have seen a £120million bid rejected for Elliott Anderson. He will partner the £105m Declan Rice in midfield. Marc Guehi and Jude Bellingham will be crucial figures. Many others have key moments in their lockers.

First stop: Dallas. Last? Fingers crossed, New Jersey, July 19.