The first thing with any new England manager is the visuals. Here it is, a new way of standing, a new energy, a new outline. How are we going to feel? What is Thomas Tuchel? Do I like this thing? What are the semiotics of body shape, stride pattern, arm movements, that will come to signify triumph or despair?
At Wembley for day one of his fast-cut mini-era, Tuchel looked good. There is a distinct kind of charisma in that skinny frame, angular, tall, oddly impressive, like a strolling duke. Leaders wear hats. The Tuchel cap is good. Maybe city centre fashion retailers will be doing a blue Tommy T by next summer. Maybe its all going to be fine. Maybe it’s going to be smart Gareth, Gareth+, Gareth without the really Gareth bits. Maybe it’s just Albania.
