World Cup qualifiers: no time for experiments, says England manager Tuchel

England coach Thomas Tuchel said the time for experimentation is over as he prepares his side for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

With a 100% record from six matches in Group K, 18 goals scored and not a single goal conceded, England have progressed to next year’s finals in North America, where they will be among the favourites.

However, the German said there is no chance of trying something radically different at home against Serbia at Wembley on Thursday or in Tirana on Sunday – England’s last competitive matches before announcing his World Cup squad.

«Do you feel like I was experimenting in the last few matches?» Tuchel told reporters at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground on Wednesday. “We’re trying to adapt, but I didn’t feel like we were experimenting in the last two camps and we won’t be starting in this camp.

«We take it seriously, these are World Cup qualifiers – at home. We want to build on what we have built and keep going.»

Former Chelsea manager Tuchel has recalled Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Manchester City’s Phil Foden to the squad after both missed the last two matches.

But while Tuchel said it was good to have them back in the squad, both must earn their places in the starting line-up.

«We were working on the levels and standards without them. We are required to set our own standards and build what we can build,» he said. «Now they’re back and it’s their responsibility to contribute to this and that’s what they’re doing. The standards are clear.»

Without Bellingham or Foden, England beat Serbia 5-0 in Belgrade in September in perhaps the best performance of his tenure.

That result, and a 1-0 defeat to Albania, led to Serbian national coach Dragan Stojkovic resigning and his successor Veljko Paunovic having to save the qualifying campaign.

Serbia are third, joining Albania for second place and a chance to qualify through the play-offs.

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The Serbs may face more in Thursday’s match, but Tuchel said it is crucial England maintain the momentum they have generated. He also expects that Serbia will be highly motivated to make up for what happened at home.

«We are already qualified. It shouldn’t matter because we are playing against or for our own standards,» he said. “We play for our own level.

«The (5-0 win in Belgrade) was mainly due to our quality that we played a very strong match, we did not let them breathe. Now there is a new coach with new energy, in the same strong group and a proud group of players. And we have to do that again.»

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi will miss Thursday’s match due to a foot injury but Tuchel has not ruled him out for Albania.

«If he does not train on Friday and cannot train on Saturday, we will not let him travel with us and he will of course receive rest and treatment,» the coach said.

«He is doing everything he can to be included in the second game. We will assess him every day.»

After the qualifiers, Tuchel has two friendlies in March to refine his squad, with Japan and Uruguay yet to be confirmed as opponents.

The World Cup draw will take place on December 5.

Published on November 12, 2025