NINETEEN former Premier League stars could end up battling at the World Cup in 2026.
The USA, Canada and Mexico will host the next edition of Fifa’s supreme tournament.
And there will be plenty of aces on display once qualification is sorted.
Argentina are the current holders after victory in Qatar nearly two year ago.
But Euro winners Spain will certainly fancy their chances.
While the likes of France, Germany and Portugal are also likely to be challengers.
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England could even make a splash after securing Thomas Tuchel as their new manager.
Of course, everything hinges on whether these nations make it to the finals.
Other smaller countries are also ready to compete for a place in North America.
And should realistic nations be in the group draw, there could be as many as nineteen former Premier League stars taking charge of World Cup teams.
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First and foremost is USA boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose side are already guaranteed to be there.
He took charge this month after leaving Chelsea, and is best remembered in the Prem for his time at Tottenham.
Inside FA’s thrilling chase for Tuchel
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
England also have an ex-top flight ace at the helm, with Tuchel another former Chelsea manager.
And the list of former Prem aces continues with France’s Didier Deschamps, who played for the Blues towards the end of his career.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman once took charge of Southampton and Everton.
While Portugal’s Roberto Martinez enjoyed spells with the Toffees and Wigan.
Moving on, Scotland’s Steve Clarke had six months at West Brom.
And Sweden’s Jon Dahl Tomasson played briefly for Newcastle.
Elsewhere, Ukraine’s Sergei Rebrov turned out for both Tottenham and West Ham.
Wales’ Craig Bellamy made a splash with a ton of clubs including Liverpool and Man City.
Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointment
WITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.
That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.
The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.
RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.
Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.
The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.
Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.
While Austria’s Ralf Rangnick took charge of Manchester United on an interim basis.
Norway’s Stale Solbakken had a short playing career with Wimbledon in the late 90s.
And Turkey’s Vincenzo Montella spent time on loan at Fulham.
Outside of the European nations, ex-Man City title winner Roberto Mancini will be hoping to qualify with Saudi Arabia.
In Africa, former Reading man Emerse Fae leads Ivory Coast.
While Senegal’s Aliou Cisse played for both Birmingham and Portsmouth.
In North America, Jesse March is looking to lead Canada to the World Cup after his time at Leeds.
While former Newcastle and England boss Steve McClaren is now in charge of Jamaica.
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Finally, South American fans have ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa in charge of Uruguay.
While Argentina World Cup winner Lionel Scaloni was once on loan at West Ham.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
