By In a bold statement, England’s new head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has made it clear that he will not be granting any favors to Premier League managers by resting players during international duty. The announcement, shared by football journalist John Cross on X at 09:29 UTC on March 24, 2025, comes as England prepares for crucial World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Tuchel’s stance has sparked discussions about the ongoing club versus country debate, especially with the demanding Premier League schedule in full swing.
Thomas Tuchel says England will not do Prem managers any favours by resting players https://t.co/8njxwlNPEu
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) March 24, 2025
Tuchel, who recently took over as England’s manager, emphasized his focus on building a competitive squad for the upcoming World Cup. Speaking ahead of England’s qualifier against Latvia, he acknowledged the grueling schedules players face at their clubs but insisted that resting them during international breaks sends the “wrong signal.” He stated, “We take care of the players and the schedule, but I won’t tell them, ‘You have tough club matches, so I’ll rest you now.’” This approach highlights Tuchel’s determination to prioritize national team success, even if it means clashing with club managers.
The images shared by John Cross on X show England’s training session at St George’s Park, where players were seen working hard on the pitch. The setup included drills with orange training poles, and the squad appeared focused under Tuchel’s guidance. However, the absence of key players like Cole Palmer, who is sidelined by injury, and Anthony Gordon, who withdrew from the squad due to an injury sustained at Newcastle, adds pressure on Tuchel to manage his resources wisely.
Premier League managers have often voiced concerns about player fatigue during international breaks, especially with the season reaching its critical stages. Tuchel, however, remains unmoved. Drawing from his experience at Chelsea, he pointed to examples like Declan Rice playing through Arsenal’s Champions League matches as evidence that clubs also push players hard. “All choices will be responsible,” Tuchel assured, aiming to balance player welfare with England’s ambitions.
As England gears up for their qualifiers, Tuchel’s hardline approach signals a new era for the Three Lions. With the World Cup on the horizon, his focus is clear: national duty comes first, and Premier League managers will have to adapt. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this strategy plays out on the road to 2026.
