The short-termism of Thomas Tuchel's appointment is hindering England now, let alone the future

"It’s on us now to create a culture and create habits because we want the big prize in 2026 in America," Thomas Tuchel said in his first interview as England head coach.

Eight months on from his unveiling, there has been little to inspire confidence regarding England's World Cup prospects next summer. There's not been a great deal to suggest that a culture and habits have been implemented, either.

Tuchel's remit is to win the 2026 World Cup.

It's why he's been awarded a contract until the conclusion of next year's tournament, and while there is clear determination from the FA to ensure the national team finally haul themselves over the line after years of near-misses and heartache, there's an overriding sense that the governing body have sacrificed the principles that enabled England to challenge for international honours under Gareth Southgate.

While Tuchel may not have much consideration for what the future holds beyond next summer, this short-termism approach is harming England's current prospects and their future.

Bereft of a competent tactical plan, selecting players who are no longer fit for purpose and omitting individuals who are likely to be pivotal to England's success over the coming years, Tuchel finds himself with more questions than answers at a time when he should be unearthing the solutions.

England were concerningly lacklustre in their 3-1 defeat to Senegal at the City Ground on Tuesday as goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly saw the Lions of Teranga come from behind to seal a momentous triumph.

Yes, it was only an international friendly, but the manner in which England toiled only a few days after their uninspiring outing against minnows Andorra in Barcelona has raised alarm bells.

Forthright and unsparing in his assessment of England's subdued 1-0 win, Tuchel was irritable when asked to reflect on his team's defeat to Senegal.

"It was more than three minutes," the German snapped in response to ITV's interrogation of Ivan Toney's late introduction, which was one of several bewildering calls Tuchel made on an eye-opening evening in Nottingham.

Morgan Gibbs-White operating in an unfamiliar role on the right flank, Morgan Rogers told to operate as the number nine in place of Harry Kane and a sudden switch to a defensive three which confused Tuchel's charges.

Then there was England's patterns of play.

Dean Henderson played it into the feet of Conor Gallagher, who immediately redistributed into the path of either Levi Colwill or Trevoh Chalobah. Unable to pursue a path to their full-back due to Senegal's width, one of Chalobah or Colwill either aimed it long into a helpless Harry Kane or returned to Henderson.

It was a repetitive and tedious cycle which Senegal were equipped to manage. The lack of urgency from those in a Three Lions shirt was alarming, let alone the absence of individual quality to take the game to their opponents.

A lack of connection between England's creative players was evident, and the need for a strong central defensive partnership is of the utmost importance for future fixtures.

There were exceptions amongst England's pitiful display: Eberechi Eze was a bright spark, showcasing great intent when out of possession which ultimately led to England's opening goal, while deputising goalkeeper Dean Henderson pulled off a series of smart stops to thwart the visitors.

But England, overall, lacked fluidity and understanding. There is an argument that at the end of a gruelling campaign, many players were mentally envisioning a break before the start of the next season or casting one eye to the refurbished FIFA Club World Cup.

Tuchel only has slightly more than a dozen training sessions and a handful of matches to rectify these fundamental issues before the World Cup begins in North America.

Senegal are the first African team to beat England in 22 matches

A great servant for England, Kyle Walker's race is run. Sat in the dugout was Trent Alexander-Arnold, the man who should have been on the pitch instead, demonstrating his credentials to start from right-back ahead of Reece James. Tino Livramento, one of the Premier League's most consistent performers in a seismic, trophy-winning season for Newcastle United, watched on from Under-21 duty.

Tuchel's inclusion of Jordan Henderson in his first England squad was funny at first but incredibly bemusing now, especially when you have the likes of Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo in the wings.

Whilst I do agree that the likes of Wharton and Livramento would benefit more from competing in an international tournament instead of a tedious qualifier against Andorra and an experimental friendly against Senegal, time is extremely precious for Tuchel.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss has reiterated the importance of leadership if England are to triumph in tournaments, and yet trying to shoehorn influential figures of England's recent past into the current squad is proving detrimental.

England's vision under Tuchel feels tunneled, and the only light that can be seen is World Cup glory in the distance. But as the German tactician continues to look straight ahead, it feels as though Tuchel is overlooking the other key elements around him which can help this England side to evolve into a tournament-winning team.

Jaquob Crooke

• England Men's Football Team
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