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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Barney Ronay

Day of the Tuchel: forget any English culture stuff, this is a one-off mission

Thomas Tuchel (centre) sits during England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Villa Park.
Thomas Tuchel’s England face the more urgent test of Serbia away in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/AMA/Getty Images

Over what range will you fire? Probably not more than 400ft. Will the gentleman be moving? Stationary. What about the chances of a second shot? Well, I might get the chance. But I doubt it.

Ten months before the epic landscapes of World Cup USA 2026, the Day of the Jackal seems a pretty good cinematic model for the mission Thomas Tuchel is facing. As England trundle through the familiar autumn rhythms of a tournament preamble, it is probably time for some real talk about the sui generis one-shot task the Football Association has devised for its head coach.

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