England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned that talent alone will not guarantee selection for his World Cup squad, insisting players must also demonstrate the right social skills, mentality and personality to cope with the demands of a major international tournament.

With Tuchel’s England contract set to expire at the end of this summer’s Fifa World Cup, the German coach faces critical decisions in the coming months as he shapes a squad capable of going all the way.

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Limited Preparation Time Before Squad Selection

Tuchel has only two international friendlies remaining before naming his final squad:

• Uruguay
• Japan

Those matches in March represent his final opportunity to assess players in an England environment before the tournament begins.

England have been drawn in a challenging group-stage campaign against:

• Croatia
• Ghana
• Panama

Their opening match takes place on 17 June in Arlington, Texas, potentially marking the start of a six-to-eight-week tournament if England progress deep into the competition.

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Tuchel Unafraid to Make Big Calls

Since replacing Gareth Southgate, Tuchel has shown he is willing to make bold selection decisions. High-profile players such as Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been left out at times, while experienced figures like Jordan Henderson have been recalled.

The former Chelsea boss insists those choices reflect his belief that squad balance and cohesion matter as much as individual brilliance.

“It will be very important that we don’t select just for talent,” Tuchel said,
“but also for what we need from a player.”

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Why Social Skills Matter at a World Cup

Tuchel believes that successful World Cup teams are built on more than tactics and star power. Drawing on conversations with players who have previously competed at major tournaments, he emphasised the importance of group dynamics and communication.

“When I speak to players who have been in World Cups, it has always made the difference when the connection was right,” he explained.
“When the communication was right, when the players knew their role and why they were there, then they were successful.”

According to Tuchel, players must be comfortable:

• Accepting supporting roles
• Maintaining positivity even when not starting
• Living and working closely together for an extended period

“Is he a good team-mate?” Tuchel asked.
“Can he support if his role is maybe the supporting role? This is where the focus is.”

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A Long and Demanding Tournament

The England manager also highlighted the physical and emotional toll the World Cup will place on players, many of whom will arrive after exhausting domestic seasons.

“We will have a lot of players who hopefully play until May for international titles and national titles,” Tuchel said.
“The World Cup will demand a lot out of them.”

Should England reach the latter stages, the squad could spend up to two months together, making harmony and mutual respect essential.

“It will demand a lot of our social skills, how we are together as a group,” he added.
“We need to get the nomination right.”

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Learning From England’s Recent Success

England’s recent tournament record provides both encouragement and expectation. Under Southgate, the team:

• Reached back-to-back European Championship finals
• Were World Cup semi-finalists in 2018

Tuchel acknowledges that progress but is keen to build a squad capable of taking the final step.

“We need to find the right balance in the team,” he said,
“and take it as an opportunity and a dream coming true to be part of a World Cup.”

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Selection Based on Character as Well as Quality

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Tuchel’s message is clear: reputation alone will not secure a place.

Players hoping to represent England must show:

• Mental resilience
• Emotional intelligence
• Willingness to put the team first

“To play a major role in a World Cup is nothing else than a dream,” Tuchel said.
“We need players who are ready to live that dream together.”

With limited preparation time and tough group opponents ahead, Tuchel’s emphasis on social cohesion and personality could define England’s World Cup campaign — and determine who makes the final squad.