Ex-England star says Tuchel will lead Three Lions to World Cup glory

Former England and Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate explains to Ladbrokes why Thomas Tuchel is the right man to lead England to World Cup 2026 glory, as well as lifting the lid on his experience managing Djed Spence after the full-back's first senior cap against Serbia.

England have got the players to do it, and I think they've got the manager too.

"There are a lot of people complaining, but a win's a win, and that’s what matters because Thomas Tuchel hasn't had many games in charge. You've got to give him time.

"I've always liked him, and I've always liked him as a manager. He's got a great pedigree. I think it's just time. He can’t just wave a magic wand. They've only had a couple of camps, so it's not really easy to get in there and say exactly what you want.

"You'll see that building over the next few games and over the next few camps. You need to give people time. A lot of people these days want miracles straight away, and it's not as easy as that. Give him that time, and I think he will be a success.

"Will England win the World Cup? It’s going to be tough, if only because of the heat. The heat in America is going to be totally different to anything they've really played in.

"There are some unbelievable teams. If you look at Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France and Germany, they're all top teams, so however you look at it, you’ll also need a bit of luck with the draw.

"But while it’ll be a difficult tournament to win, England have got the players to do it, and I think they've got the manager too."

Now he's been given an opportunity, and he's done ever so well.

"Djed Spence is a fantastic player. I managed him at Middlesbrough, and given how well he’s been playing, it really didn’t surprise me when I saw his name in the England squad.

"He has all the attributes a modern full-back needs: he's quick, he's powerful, he's good on the ball, he's technically good, he's constantly improving defensively. In a 1v1, he's so difficult to get past.

"He’s also proved his character. When he signed for Spurs, it was under Antonio Conte, who said Djed was a club signing. I don't know how Djed felt about that, but he didn’t play much and then had a few loans. Now he's been given an opportunity, and he's done ever so well.

"He's a nice kid, a really nice boy – humble, down to earth. And he fully deserves his opportunity."

You can bet on which players will make England's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada next year, with Noni Madueke and Elliot Anderson bolstering their hopes after Tuesday's 5-0 win in Serbia.

We have also named some outside shouts to be selected by Tuchel next summer, while you can also view the latest World Cup 2026 outright odds, with Spain the current favourites.

View the latest football odds.

All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.