NFL playbook set to boost England

England set a record as they wrapped up their flawless World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win against Albania on Nov 16, thanks to a brace from captain Harry Kane.

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The Three Lions, who took maximum points from their eight games, became the first European team to win all their qualifiers without conceding a single goal in a campaign lasting at least six matches.

Here is a look at three key factors that can help Thomas Tuchel’s side triumph at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

TUCHEL'S TACTICAL ACUMEN

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

His 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 by Croatia.