With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, England are gearing up for a summer of high-stakes football, kicking off their qualifying campaign against Croatia on June 17. The Three Lions have already made history by becoming the first European side to win all six of their qualifying fixtures, but head coach Thomas Tuchel's debut campaign hasn't been without its critics. Here's a closer look at how England secured their spot in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
England's journey began at Wembley in March 2025, with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Albania. While goals from rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane secured the three points, the performance left fans wanting more. The atmosphere at Wembley was notably subdued, a lingering echo of the Gareth Southgate era, and Tuchel's frustration was evident just three minutes into the match when Phil Foden opted for a backward pass inside the Albanian half. It was a clear signal of what the German manager expects: attacking football with purpose and urgency.
Days later, England delivered a more convincing display, defeating Latvia 3-0. Reece James made a spectacular return to international football, scoring a stunning free-kick on his first start in over two years, while Harry Kane and Eberechi Eze added to the tally in the second half. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing—a miscommunication between Marc Guehi and Jordan Pickford nearly gifted Latvia an early goal, though the visitors failed to capitalize.
Despite the occasional hiccup, Tuchel remained optimistic. "Not everything falls into place from the first minute," he said after the match. "There is room to improve, but overall we've got two wins and two clean sheets. We didn't allow any big chances in either match. A lot of positives, but room to grow."
As England prepare for the next phase of their World Cup journey, fans can expect a team still finding its rhythm under new leadership—but with a clear focus on attacking flair and defensive solidity. Whether you're backing the Three Lions from the stands or from your living room, this is a campaign worth watching closely.