Glenn Hoddle believes Thomas Tuchel has the right qualities to lead England to World Cup glory, but insists the German must be bold and flexible to succeed. Hoddle, who managed England at the 1998 World Cup, praised Tuchel's willingness to make big decisions, such as omitting Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from his squad.
Hoddle backs Tuchel's boldness
Speaking exclusively to Metro, Hoddle said: 'I like the manager. I think he is proven at the elite level. He's won the Champions League, he knows what it's like to perform under pressure, and he knows what he wants. He's not scared of making changes, making big calls, which he's done in his club management, certainly at Chelsea, and I think he's bold enough to make the decisions that are needed for England.'
Mental preparation key
Hoddle, who guided England to the round of 16 in 1998 before a penalty shootout defeat to Argentina, believes Tuchel must focus on the mental side of the game. 'We've got some very good players, but I think this World Cup is down to how they prepare mentally. On the mental side, that's the next step. Gareth (Southgate) did a fabulous job getting us where we got to, but I think on a mental level we don't have those players who go out knowing that they're a very good side, having a little bit of that real belief that they can outdo anyone. It's not the English way.'
Flexibility during the tournament
Hoddle stressed that Tuchel must be flexible and adapt his plans as the tournament progresses. 'When you get into a tournament, I think you're around the players more, so you can find out their personalities and their characters a lot more deeply. And the more pressurised it becomes, the more you can learn a lot about a player in those circumstances. That is something that will unfold during the tournament, and he'll get a feel for players. But you've then got to be bold enough to change your plans and give those players a chance to shine.'
Unorthodox approach needed
With the World Cup now a 37-day marathon featuring 48 teams across three countries, Hoddle believes Tuchel may need to take an unorthodox approach to team selection. 'I do think there's something in resting people now and allowing them to really ease themselves into the tournament. Declan (Rice) has had Champions League to play, (Bukayo) Saka the same. Those players need to be able to switch off and rest first before getting back into the starting lineup.'
Drawing a comparison to rugby, Hoddle added: 'In rugby, the strongest team in the world, South Africa, have got what they call finishers. They use seven forwards and only two backs. And suddenly, in the last 20 minutes, they come on and they absolutely just swamp the opponent with their power. Why can't it be the same in football, with the ability we have got to come on. I always say, what's the most important team? The one that starts or the one that finishes? It's a very difficult question to answer, it really is, but I think in this World Cup, in the humidity, in the heat, I think those coming off the bench are going to be the real game-changers. And if Thomas is willing to be brave with his selection in that aspect, it could be the winning formula.'
Glenn Hoddle was speaking courtesy of BOYLE Sports, Home of the Early Payout. 18+ BeGambleAware.
