HOT TO THE TUCH

Thomas has so much talent at his disposal

GARETH SOUTHGATE'S time as England manager ended ultimately in failure, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of some critics.

But when Thomas Tuchel takes charge as his successor at the start of 2025, the German would be forgiven for feeling like a kid in a sweet shop.

He will look around at a pool of future and established talent, while licking his lips at the prospect of what he could go on to achieve with it.

All Tuchel has to do now is work out who to take with him on what promises to be a fascinating journey that FA bosses hope will lead to World Cup glory in 2026.

Good luck with that, Thomas.

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Tuchel is not just picking a squad, which he will do for the first time in March, but deciding on his best team.

England brushed aside the feeble challenges of Greece and Republic of Ireland without the services of Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, John Stones and Luke Shaw.