Tuchel says England World Cup selection will weigh social skills alongside talent

Thomas Tuchel said talent alone will not be enough to make his England squad for this summer's World Cup in North America and that the right "social skills" and personality will be needed if the team are to have a chance of glory. The head coach has emphasised building a "brotherhood" and the right mentality within the camp, saying he has researched previous tournaments and heard how England managers failed to create the right dynamic at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Tuchel said that changed under Gareth Southgate and that he is keen to build on his predecessor's work. Tuchel warned selection must not be "just for talent" but also consider "what the social skills are of a player, is he a good teammate? Can he support if his role is maybe the supporting role?" He added that being a reliable presence on tour would count for backup players.

Speaking in a commercial interview released on Thursday but filmed last month, he noted the tournament will feature 48 teams, last more than five weeks and take place in Canada, Mexico and the US, with significant travel, time-zone changes, altitude differences and very hot weather.

Tuchel has not finalised England's travel itinerary. England host friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley in March, are expected to play warmup matches in Florida at the start of June, and open Group L against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June before facing Ghana and Panama.

Key Topics

Sports, Thomas Tuchel, England National Team, World Cup, North America, Gareth Southgate