England vs Spain: Thomas Tuchel faces crucial test against world champions as Nations League campaign begins
England go again. After World Cup heartbreak this summer they kick-off their Nations League campaign against Spain on Saturday at Wembley.
The arrival of the world champions in the capital will be a painful reminder of what England were so close to achieving in North America - and re-exposes the scar, as boss Thomas Tuchel put it - of the mistakes made late on in that semi-final loss to Argentina.
Tuchel has been eager to highlight the positives of England's campaign at the World Cup, insisting the experience and bonds built through the tournament leave the group well placed to kick on and achieve success in the Nations League and then at Euro 2028.
However, while Tuchel retains the firm backing of the FA, who handed him a contract extension through to the end of the European championships prior to the World Cup, Sky Sports News football correspondent Rob Dorsett says the clash with Spain could be key in determining the path ahead.
"It's massive, and for me, it feels like a pivotal moment for Thomas Tuchel," Dorsett told Sky Sports' Peter Smith during a special Essential Football podcast at St George's Park this week.
"If England win this one, he's got a renewed mandate to go forward, because he's beaten the world champions.
"If they lose it, then the media will be gunning for Thomas Tuchel and saying, 'Hang on, you couldn't beat Argentina, you can't beat Spain, all right, you won against France, but that was a dead rubber, a meaningless third and fourth place playoff - you're supposed to be the big man who comes in and wins the big games.
"I think there's an awful lot at stake and an awful lot for England to play for."
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As well as a positive result, the pressure is also on for England to put on an encouraging performance at Wembley.
Tuchel made headlines after the World Cup by claiming English players are unable to control games with possession in the way Spanish players can. That view was backed up by England and Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon.
Tuchel has since suggested he may have to "embrace the chaos" and lean into English football's traditional strengths of more physical, direct play - a sentiment similar to the one he had when he first took charge.
"Tuchel said this when he took the job," explained Dorsett. "Before he got anywhere near taking an England training session, Thomas Tuchel said he thought England's players, when they put on that England shirt, play with fear. And he said, 'my mission is to take the handbrake off'.
"He's now saying the same things again after the World Cup, 18 months into his tenure. I think he knows - and we certainly know - that he put the handbrake on against Argentina and he got it wrong.
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"It's almost like he's trying to convince himself that, 'yeah, what I said at the start is right. I've got to let the players do that. I've got to let them express themselves. I've got to let them attack'.
"Hearing Anthony Gordon speak in the way that he has, I think will be music to Thomas Tuchel's ears. He'll be very, very relieved that a really important player for England shares his feelings."
After the setback this summer, a successful Saturday in September against Spain could bring renewed optimism about the next chapter of Tuchel's project.
Follow England vs Spain on the Sky Sports website and App on Saturday; kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday September 26: Spain (H), kick-off 7.45pm
Tuesday September 29: Czech Republic (A), kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday October 3: Croatia (A), kick-off 5pm
Tuesday October 6: Czech Republic (H), kick-off 7.45pm
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25 of September 2026
