England's flawless qualification sets up thrilling quest for World Cup glory

THOMAS Tuchel has completed his first task as England manager with ease as the Three Lions became the first European side to qualify for the 2026 World Cup yesterday.

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After a perfect qualifying record of six wins and 18 goals without conceding from six games, the hard work for the German now begins in burdening great expectations in tough conditions next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

AFP Sports looks at the challenges ahead for Tuchel and his team if they are to end a 60-year wait to win a major men’s tournament.

Balance star power and team cohesion

Tuchel’s bold decision to leave out Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden from his squad this month underlined his desire to find the best collective unit rather than a collection of the best players at his disposal.

“We try to collect the guys who in the end have the glue and cohesion to be the best team, because we need to arrive (at the World Cup) with the best team," Tuchel said last week.

Elliot Anderson has been the main beneficiary, starting the last four England games.