The new head coach brought an intensity and interesting selection to Wembley and was pleasingly harsh in victory
The first thing with any new England manager is the visuals. Here it is, a new way of standing, a new energy, a new outline. How are we going to feel? What is Thomas Tuchel? Do I like this thing? What are the semiotics of body shape, stride pattern, arm movements, that will come to signify triumph or despair?
At Wembley for day one of his fast-cut mini-era, Tuchel looked good. There is a distinct kind of charisma in that skinny frame, angular, tall, oddly impressive, like a strolling duke. Leaders wear hats. The Tuchel cap is good. Maybe city centre fashion retailers will be doing a blue Tommy T by next summer. Maybe its all going to be fine. Maybe it’s going to be smart Gareth, Gareth+, Gareth without the really Gareth bits. Maybe it’s just Albania.
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