Despite the controversy surrounding the omission of superstars like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mabbutt insists that Thomas Tuchel’s meticulous focus on collective harmony over individual magic is exactly what England need to break their 60-year World Cup hoodoo. Photo: IANS
Tottenham Hotspur and England legend Gary Mabbutt believes the Three Lions possess a genuine chance of ending their 60-year World Cup hoodoo in North America, pointing to the shrewd leadership of manager Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel has come in for some criticism after leaving out a host of England stars, such as attackers Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, Manchester United defender Harry Maguite, as well as Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander Arnold. However, Mabbutt, who amassed over 600 appearances for Spurs and represented England at the 1986 World Cup, believes the foundation for success rests on Tuchel's preference for collective harmony over individual star power.
Having sat alongside the German tactician at several Tottenham fixtures during the domestic season, Mabbutt has been thoroughly impressed by the manager's forensic approach.
"I know Thomas Tuchel very well," Mabbutt told Independent Newspapers. "He is a very, very clever man who studies the game meticulously.
