England ready to roll

England wrapped up their flawless World Cup qualifying campaign with a record-setting 2-0 win against Albania on Sunday. The Three Lions, who took maximum points from their eight games, became the first European team to win every one of their World Cup qualifiers without conceding a single goal in a campaign lasting at least six matches. AFP Sport looks at three key factors that can help Thomas Tuchel’s side triumph at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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After a slow start to his reign, Thomas Tuchel has gradually revitalised England over the last 11 months, with his astute tactical moves proving especially influential.

Tuchel's predecessor Gareth Southgate was often criticised for his cautious game-plan and slow response to situations that demanded substitutes to change the momentum.

Southgate's innate conservatism was fatal in England's European Championship final losses to Italy in 2021 and Spain in 2024, as well as the 2018 World Cup semifinal defeat against Croatia.

Tuchel has shown he will not freeze when the pressure is highest, leading Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 and winning domestic titles with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 52-year-old has brought that big-game experience to England.

In last Thursday's 2-0 win against Serbia, he sent on Eberechi Eze and Phil Foden, who combined for the Arsenal forward to score England's second goal.