Teddy Sheringham believes Thomas Tuchel still has a long way to go before he proves he was the right choice to lead the England national team.
Tuchel has recorded six wins in six competitive games with the Three Lions, but a 3-1 friendly defeat against Senegal at the City Ground in June marred his overall record.
The former Chelsea boss has guided England to the top of their World Cup qualifying group, although most of their performances have been underwhelming.
Tuchel’s latest squad did not feature any Manchester United players. This was the first time this had happened since 1976.
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo each have ambitions of representing England at the World Cup next summer.
While the quartet still have time to force their way back into contention, their collective absence from the squad was undoubtedly noteworthy.
Sheringham, who won 51 caps for England during his career, says Tuchel is still getting accustomed to the expectations associated with managing the national team.
“He’s done what he’s supposed to do so far,” Sheringham said while speaking to Coin Poker. “But he’s not put any flags out to tell everyone that we’re going to win the World Cup.
“He’s still adjusting to the role. He’s learning about English football, which was always going to be a problem for him – learning about the English mentality and the expectations.
“We won’t know whether he’ll be successful until the big games come around. He’s got a long time to go until the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
“That gives him the chance to learn even more about all the England players that he’s got at his disposal.”
With Shaw and Mount regularly missing games due to injuries, their absence from the latest round of qualifying matches was no real surprise.
Mainoo was also an expected absentee after falling out of favour under United manager Ruben Amorim over the past few months.
However, Maguire will likely have been frustrated by his omission, given that he was previously a permanent fixture in the England team.
The 32-year-old has not been in the squad since September 2024, and Tuchel does not appear to be inclined towards handing him a recall.
While England have looked solid enough at the back during their World Cup qualifiers, Maguire’s big-game experience could be an invaluable asset in the squad next summer.
He has proved to be a talismanic figure for England on several occasions, and it will be intriguing to see if he can force his way into Tuchel’s squad.
Maguire’s solid performance against Chelsea last weekend could earn him a sustained run in United’s first team, which would boost his hopes of selection.
Regardless of whether United are represented in the England squad next summer, Sheringham believes Tuchel still has plenty to prove as their manager.
“It is still a work in progress,” Sheringham said. “The way I see it, he’s done what he’s had to do against very ordinary opposition, and that’s being kind about the teams they’ve faced.
“He has got us into a steady place, but it is still ‘watch this space’ as far as I’m concerned.”
