Thomas Tuchel has undertaken one of the most demanding jobs in international football – managing England – and Harry Redknapp has cautioned that a “disastrous” World Cup campaign could push the German coach to step down, despite recently signing what many consider a “strange” contract extension. The entire England setup will be hoping to avoid that outcome as they embark on another attempt to end their long wait for major silverware.

Tuchel, who has been handed a contract extension through to Euro 2028, boasts an impressive resume that includes domestic league titles and a Champions League triumph during his stints at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. He officially begins his England tenure in early 2025, taking over what many call the ‘poisoned chalice’ of international management.

Under Tuchel’s early guidance, England cruised through World Cup qualification with a perfect record – winning every match and conceding no goals. Yet, some critics remain unconvinced by his style of play, noting similarities between his approach and that of former manager Sir Gareth Southgate, despite Tuchel’s initial promises of tactical transformation.

Ultimately, results are what matter most. Tuchel now has the chance to end England’s six-decade wait for a major trophy by leading the Three Lions to glory at the 2026 World Cup – the moment when football could finally ‘come home’ after 60 years of longing.

Confident in their choice of manager, the Football Association has already extended Tuchel’s deal until Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, the timing of that decision has raised eyebrows, with some questioning its wisdom given that Tuchel has yet to face a truly competitive test. There is growing curiosity over whether those terms would remain intact if England were to exit the World Cup early and disappoint on the North American stage.

When asked whether such extensions should be earned rather than pre-emptively awarded, former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United boss Harry Redknapp – speaking to GOAL in association with BuzzBallz – offered a frank assessment: “It was a strange decision. Let's hope he earns it.”

Redknapp continued, “If England have a disastrous World Cup, he’s going to get some grief, let’s be honest. Everyone who manages England gets it. We’ve had fantastic managers over the years who have taken heavy criticism. Even the great Bobby Robson wasn’t spared, and Graham Taylor – a wonderful man – faced the same. If we have a disastrous World Cup, I think he’ll get so much stick that he may not want to stay on.”

Tuchel has already shown a willingness to make bold calls, notably with his 26-man World Cup squad selections. His decisions have surprised some, with a few exciting talents left out. Redknapp believes those omissions include some of the few genuine entertainers left in modern football.

When asked which players he would pay to watch, Redknapp replied, “There aren’t as many characters in the game anymore. To be honest, not many players get me off my seat these days.”

He added, “I love players with real talent, who can beat defenders, change a game, and do something extraordinary. I like Cole Palmer when he’s at his best, though he’s not gone to the World Cup. Phil Foden too – those are two English lads I love watching. I also rate Eberechi Eze at Arsenal; he’s got that spark, that ability to make things happen when he’s on the ball.”

Redknapp lamented the lack of flair at Manchester United, saying, “United don’t have those special players they used to have under Sir Alex Ferguson. There are some good players around, but I’d like to see more individuals who can do something special.”

He also reflected on the evolution of youth development, stating, “A lot of young players in academies today are taught to just pass, pass, pass. I still want to see players who can dribble, who can take on defenders one-on-one. You don’t see much of that now. I hate it when wingers get the ball and pass it backwards or sideways when they have a defender to beat. Back in the day, you’d have been criticised for that if you didn’t take your man on, but that’s how the game has changed.”

As England prepare to kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, Tuchel and his players will be aiming to excite fans and prove that they have what it takes to go all the way. Redknapp, watching from afar, hopes to see performances that reignite his passion for the national side – and perhaps get him up on his feet again.

Meanwhile, BuzzBallz aims to inject some fun into football fandom this summer. To commemorate the 21,866 days since England last lifted a major international trophy, the popular ready-to-drink brand is giving away 21,866 products to fans who share creative and humorous photos or videos on social media showing where their BuzzBallz have travelled during the tournament.

As anticipation builds, the big question remains: just how far can England go at the World Cup?