1 week Ago By Catherine W
Thomas Tuchel was appointed as England’s head coach on Wednesday, taking on the formidable challenge of ending the national team’s prolonged wait for a trophy. The German manager, who previously helmed Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, signed an 18-month contract that begins in January and runs through to the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States. “This is a really exciting day for the English game.
We’ve appointed one of the very best coaches in the world,” stated English Football Association (FA) chief Mark Bullingham at Tuchel’s unveiling at Wembley Stadium. “Our aim is always to win a major tournament, and we believe Thomas gives us the best possible chance to do that at the next men’s World Cup.” It has been nearly 60 years since England secured its only major trophy, winning the World Cup in 1966.
Fourteen different managers have attempted, and failed, to replicate that success, with Gareth Southgate coming closest by leading the team to consecutive European Championship finals before he stepped down in July. Tuchel, who has clinched silverware across Europe, expressed his ambition to achieve similar success with England. “I understood very quickly that it’s a big job,” he said, adding his determination to push England “over the line and try to put a second star on the shirt.
” At 51, Tuchel becomes England’s third foreign coach, following in the footsteps of the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. This decision has sparked criticism in segments of the British media, with the Daily Mail publishing a headline labeling it a “dark day for England.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended his well-wishes, while Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform Party, questioned, “Why can’t we have an English manager?” Tuchel, when asked about the concerns of England fans who might be disappointed by a foreign coach, chuckled and remarked, “I’m sorry, I have a German passport.
Hopefully, I can convince them and show them and prove to them that I’m proud to be the England manager and I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country.” Bullingham revealed that the FA had interviewed several candidates before finalizing Tuchel, though he refrained from disclosing any names. Speculated candidates included Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
“Clearly some were more up for the role than others,” Bullingham said. “We were absolutely delighted to end up with Thomas, and we believe he gives us the best chance of winning the World Cup.” Tuchel’s predecessor, Gareth Southgate, is considered one of England’s most successful coaches, having led the team to a World Cup semifinals and two European Championship finals.
Southgate stepped down after an eight-year tenure following a defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. Tuchel aligns with the FA’s criteria for a coach who has succeeded at the highest levels and understands the English game. During his stint with Chelsea, he famously defeated Guardiola’s Manchester City to win the Champions League within months of taking the job.
He also secured the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with the Premier League club. Additionally, Tuchel has won league titles in France with PSG and in Germany with Bayern. He assumes the England role after departing from Bayern at the end of last season.
Joining Tuchel will be his former Chelsea assistant, Anthony Barry, who most recently worked with Portugal during the Euros. By the time they begin their roles, the draw for World Cup qualifying will have already occurred in December. Until then, Under-21s coach Lee Carsley will act as interim coach for England during the Nations League games against Greece and Ireland next month.
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