Jordan Pickford hopes new head coach Thomas Tuchel can take England ‘one step further’ and win 2026 FIFA World Cup – Eurosport

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford believes new head coach Thomas Tuchel can help the Three Lions go “one step further” and win the 2026 World Cup.

Tuchel will take charge of England at the start of next year as Lee Carsley’s interim reign comes to an end.

The German has signed an 18-month contract with his mission focused on winning the 2026 World Cup.

“Our focus is definitely… because we’ve been so close, we want to go that one step further. There’s definitely new energy and there’s going to be a lot of competition for places. 

“But that’s what it’s about. You want the best players for England at the right moment and hopefully going forward next year we’ve got that squad ready to win.”

Pickford was part of the England squad that made back-to-back European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final under previous manager Gareth Southgate.

He hopes the “new energy” injected into the squad over the last few months will be beneficial for England under the former Chelsea boss.

“I hope so. You’ve seen a lot of debuts this week over the last three camps,” said Pickford.

“There’s definitely new energy and there’s going to be a lot of competition for places. But that’s what it’s about. You want the best players for England at the right moment and hopefully going forward next year, we’ve got that squad ready to win.”

England finished Carsley’s reign on a high with back-to-back wins over Greece and the Republic of Ireland seeing them promoted to Nations League A.

Carsley, who won five of his six matches and gave debuts to eight players, thinks England are in a “good position” to challenge at the 2026 World Cup.

“I think we have the talent to do it. We have got all of the tools. We just need to play them in the order,” said Carsley.

“Thomas’ pool of players has increased so we have left the squad in a fantastic position.

“I have been lucky now to be at the last couple of World Cups and the timing of the players being in form, physically and mentally, at the right time, picking the right squad.”

Following the end of his interim spell Carsley is set to return to his job as boss of the England Under-21s side.

The 50-year-old also said he would meet with Tuchel at some point to discuss their views on the squad.

“We will collate our thoughts, along with the rest of the players in terms of handing over something. He can read and look through. That’s valuable,” he said.

“And then we’ll step back to support him.”