England manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that exceptional talent alone will not guarantee a place in his squad for the upcoming World Cup. With just five months remaining before the tournament in North America, Tuchel is placing significant emphasis on the importance of "social skills" and personality within the team.

Tuchel's focus extends beyond mere on-field abilities, highlighting the necessity of squad harmony for England to achieve success. He believes that a player's capacity to integrate well with the group, support teammates, and accept potentially limited playing time will be crucial factors in his selection process. In essence, being a "good tourist," as Tuchel puts it, will be a valuable asset for any player hoping to make the final cut. This echoes the approach of his predecessor, Gareth Southgate, who often prioritized players who could contribute positively to the team environment, regardless of their frequency of game time.

With the World Cup draw completed, England are set to begin their campaign in Group L against Croatia in Dallas on June 17th, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama. Before the tournament, England will play friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley in March, and are expected to have warm-up matches in Florida at the start of June. These matches will provide Tuchel with further opportunities to assess players' abilities both on and off the pitch.

Tuchel's emphasis on team spirit comes at a time when many believe England have their best chance to win the World Cup since 1970. The manager's focus on building a cohesive and supportive squad reflects his understanding that success in major international tournaments requires more than just individual brilliance. He knows that a team with strong social connections and a shared sense of purpose is more likely to overcome challenges and perform at their best.

While some fans have questioned Tuchel's selections, particularly his continued reliance on experienced players like Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, the manager remains focused on his vision for the team. He recognizes the importance of having players who can be trusted to train well, accept their roles, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere. As the World Cup approaches, Tuchel's decisions will be closely scrutinized, but his commitment to building a team with both talent and strong social skills is unwavering.