England's national football team has begun to heal the wounds of their painful World Cup exit with a strong start to the Nations League. The team, led by coach Thomas Tuchel, secured a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium on October 6, 2026. This victory, coupled with their previous match against Spain, has raised hopes for their chances in the 2028 European Championship. England's free-scoring start to the Nations League has silenced critics who questioned Tuchel's ultra-defensive approach in the World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.
The win over the Czech Republic saw Harry Kane score twice, matching Peter Shilton's men's appearance record of 125 caps. Kane's tally of international goals now stands at 91. Despite personal milestones, Kane emphasized that his focus remains on winning a trophy with England, which he considers the biggest honour of his career. England's next match is against Spain, which will be a true test of whether they have turned a corner and can sustain their momentum in the competition.
Tuchel's team has shown significant improvement, with a more balanced performance across the pitch. The coach has been adamant that England were not starting from scratch after the World Cup, but rather building on strong foundations. He stressed that they played some high-level competitive football in the World Cup and are now moving to the next step. The team's star duo, Kane and Jude Bellingham, have led from the front again in the Nations League, complemented by wingers Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.
The England boss is unlikely to make the same mistakes again, with his fearsome front four now looking untouchable as he builds towards the 2028 Euros. England have reached the final of the past two European Championships but remain without a major tournament win since 1966. Time is a factor for Kane, who will turn 35 shortly after the conclusion of Euro 2028. Kane played down personal milestones, emphasizing his focus on winning a trophy with England.
Tuchel's options across the pitch look healthier even than just a few months ago. Declan Rice's withdrawal from the camp allowed club teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bournemouth's Alex Scott the chance to shine in midfield. Jordan Pickford finally has competition for the goalkeeper's spot after Tuchel handed James Trafford the gloves for the opening two matches. Trent Alexander-Arnold made an impressive return at right-back after his World Cup omission.
A place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March is already practically assured, but a trip to Spain next month will be a true test of whether England have turned a corner. The Three Lions have won just six of their past 16 matches against opponents ranked in FIFA's top 10, leading to accusations they can be flat-track bullies. Tuchel knows he must change the script if he is to take the next step in England's quest for glory.
England's late collapse in a 2-1 defeat against Lionel Messi's men in Atlanta meant their wait for a major trophy ticked past 60 years. The first match in the 2026/27 Nations League for England, late last month, was against world champions Spain and, despite a 3-2 defeat, there were encouraging signs. Tuchel's team will look to build on this momentum as they strive for success in the 2028 European Championship.
Key points
- England's strong start to the Nations League has raised hopes for their chances in the 2028 European Championship.
- Harry Kane has matched Peter Shilton's men's appearance record of 125 caps and taken his tally of international goals to 91.
- Coach Thomas Tuchel has emphasized that England are building on strong foundations and not starting from scratch after the World Cup.
