Harry Kane will remain England captain when Thomas Tuchel takes over in January, the German said on Friday, signaling that all players will be able to count on a clean sheet when 2026 World Cup qualifying begins under his management.
England faced Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in Group K in the draw in Zurich, which was Tuchel’s first match as England manager.
He became head coach in October, but will start work on January 1, before the World Cup qualifiers.
“There is no need to think about changes at the moment,” Tuchel told reporters. “Harry has always been England’s top captain. So why are you even thinking about it right now?”
“You cross the river when you cross the river. Firstly, in January we will check in with everyone and get to know St George’s Park and the players.
READ ALSO: Fiorentina announced that midfielder Bove has been discharged from hospital
“And there is still a lot of football left to be played before March and then we will try to find the best group for the upcoming games.”
Tuchel (51) suggested that he would act regardless of former manager Gareth Southgate’s decisions and build his own team in which all players would be able to count on a clean sheet.
One player who could expect an interview is Arsenal defender Ben White, who did not want to be considered for selection after unexpectedly leaving the squad during the 2022 World Cup for personal reasons.
“I will contact him,” Tuchel said. “It should be a clean start and a clear narrative.”
There are rumors that White, who has only made four friendly appearances for England so far, was having personal problems with Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland, which the former manager later denied.
“It starts in January. I will be at the stadiums from January. “I won’t distract the players either, and they should just know: ‘OK, the boss has been there since January,'” Tuchel added.
“Then, of course, I will try to talk to them, but I will also respect the schedule they have because the schedule is tight in January, especially in the Premier League.”
England have been placed in a five-team group, meaning qualifying will start in late March and continue in June, rather than September for groups of four.
It means a fast start for Tuchel, who will travel to England less than three months before qualifying begins and just 15 months before the 2026 tournament.
“I like the framework and the narrative. I like that it starts with the World Cup qualifiers, it starts at the beginning and at the end,” he said.
“It provides clarity in (the selection process) and clarity in … how we talk to each other and where we want to go. No disruptions. We will be ready.”
