Thomas Tuchel’s prowess in knockout football helped persuade the FA to appoint him England manager. As his side stumbled then surged into the last 16 of the World Cup 2026, it is debateable if it was underlined against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tuchel may have been the catalyst for a comeback; with his substitutions, with his interventions at hydration breaks.
Yet the greatest evidence that Tuchel is the king of the knockouts was supplied by shutouts. In 2021, his Chelsea won the Champions League when conceding just twice in their last seven games. If his England can add the greatest prize in international football, it may have to come another way.
