The secret to England’s World Cup run? Thomas Tuchel’s ‘special operations team’

England’s successful run at the 2026 World Cup is built on more than just the brilliance of their starting lineup. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has utilized what he calls a “special operations team” to make decisive impacts throughout the tournament.

When announcing his squad in May, Tuchel stressed that the players outside the starting XI would be just as vital as those on the pitch. These players are tasked not only with impacting games as substitutes but also with maintaining high standards in training and fostering team unity.

This strategy proved crucial during the match against Mexico. Despite playing with ten men following Jarell Quansah’s red card, England secured the win thanks to tactical changes, with the likes of John Stones and Dan Burn providing critical defensive stability.

The impact of these bench players has been evident throughout the tournament. In the round of 32, Anthony Gordon came off the bench to provide two assists for Harry Kane, turning a potential defeat against DR Congo into a 2-1 victory. Similarly, late contributions from Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford were instrumental in overcoming Croatia.

Tuchel prioritizes character, noting that players like Ivan Toney act as a “glue” for the group, keeping morale high despite limited playing time. The players have bought into this vision, with Stones highlighting that everyone is hungry to contribute toward the common goal of reaching the final.