Thomas Tuchel predicts 'surprises' for England after World Cup qualifying draw | OneFootball

The incoming Three Lions boss has learned the first opponents of his reign

New England manager Thomas Tuchel has predicted a "surprise" for the Three Lions during 2026 World Cup qualifying.

The Three Lions will either begin their qualifiers in March or June, given they have been drawn in a five-team group, so Tuchel knows he may be thrown straight into competitive action before any friendly run-outs.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss, who is taking his first job at international level, has heeded warnings for his squad after being drawn with Serbia, Albania and Latvia.

Thomas Tuchel speaking to reporters on Friday

AFP via Getty Images

"I have huge respect for Serbia and for Albania, they can always surprise [you]," he told Sky Sports. "They have a strong history of technical football, emotional crowds, two legends as managers.

"England have never played Latvia so it's a new experience for all of us and we have Andorra where we are huge favourites. But we have to qualify, this is the most important. There cannot be any other approach that take it seriously and with respect."

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