England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a warning to his players regarding their behavior on the pitch, particularly concerning red cards, as the team approaches the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's concern stems from Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo's recent red card against the Republic of Ireland, which could potentially lead to a suspension that would cause him to miss the first two matches of the World Cup.

Tuchel, speaking ahead of England's final World Cup qualifier against Albania, emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary disciplinary actions. "It is important, I'm aware of it and we will talk about it. No red cards, please," Tuchel stated. He further elaborated on specific scenarios, saying, "In doubt, we are in a position of course, if a player is through and could be last man and pulls his shirt so in doubt tomorrow it will be smarter to not do it".

The England squad has already secured their place at the World Cup with two matches to spare and are looking to maintain a perfect qualifying record. They continued their dominant form with a 2-0 victory against Serbia, marking their seventh consecutive win in Group K without conceding a single goal. The upcoming match against Albania is therefore a dead rubber, but Tuchel is keen to ensure that his players maintain discipline and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Tuchel acknowledged the potential dilemma of risking a goal versus avoiding a red card. Asked about this, he said, "It is an extreme example...If he goes in the last man example and if we can avoid it no red card of course. Sometimes it is just a clash". However, he also added, "I don't want to make the subject too big speaking about it because then you have a cloud above you. Normally we are not at risk anyway but if someone has a choice to make, don't do it".

Drawing from past experiences, Tuchel alluded to Wayne Rooney's suspension for the first two group games at Euro 2012 after a red card in a qualifier, highlighting the potential consequences of losing key players due to disciplinary issues.

In related news, Tuchel also addressed the situation involving Tottenham defender Djed Spence, who, along with Micky van de Ven, seemingly ignored their club manager's request to thank the fans after a game three weeks prior. Tuchel made it clear that he disapproved of their conduct.

Separately, earlier in September, Tuchel had already sent a warning to England's established stars, stating that no one's place in the World Cup squad is guaranteed. Following a 5-0 victory over Serbia, Tuchel emphasized that he is prepared to make "brave decisions" to ensure a balanced and competitive squad. He noted the impressive performance of young players like Morgan Rogers, whose standout display in the No.10 role sparked debate about England's attacking options. Tuchel's message was clear: performance and attitude will be key factors in selecting the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.