As the English FA confirmed on Wednesday, the 51-year-old German signed with the “Three Lions” on October 8th. From January 1, 2025, Tuchel will lead the English team to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The former coach of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern, among others, is the third foreigner to hold the most important coaching position in the motherland of football.
No information was given about the duration of the contract. It was unclear whether his contract would also run until the 2028 European Championship, which England is co-hosting. Tuchel is supposed to satisfy England’s almost 60-year longing for their first major title since the 1966 World Cup triumph.
“I am very proud to have the honor of leading the England team. I have long felt connected to football in this country and it has given me some incredible moments,” Tuchel said in a statement. This opportunity is a privilege, added the coach, who has his long-time assistant Anthony Barry at his side. It is also “very exciting” for Tuchel to work with this special and talented group of players.
“Expertise and energy”
“Thomas was very impressive and stood out for his great expertise and drive,” said FA CEO Mark Bullingham about the “very thorough” application process. “Basically, we wanted to hire a coaching staff that would give us the best possible chance of winning a major tournament. We believe they will do just that.”
Support also came from the royal side. “Thomas, we wish you good luck and are all behind you!” wrote the British heir to the throne, Prince Williams, on the X platform.
The position as England national coach became vacant after the European Championships after the collaboration with Gareth Southgate ended after eight years and the final defeat against Spain (1:2). Lee Carsley took over on an interim basis, but the recent 2-1 defeat against Greece in the Nations League at the venerable Wembley Stadium was hard on him. Carsley will take over the England U21 team again from 2025. According to the association, the announcement was made late in order to minimize distractions during international match week.
The Three Lions have only had two foreign team bosses so far. The Swede Sven-Göran Eriksson, who recently died of cancer, was in office from January 2001 to July 2006, and the Italian Fabio Capello from December 2007 to February 2012.
Tuchel enjoys a very good reputation in England. He took over Chelsea in January 2021 and led them to winning the Champions League straight away. At Manchester United he was also considered a possible successor to the controversial Erik ten Hag. Tuchel has been without a job since the summer after his contract with Bayern, which originally ran until 2025, was terminated.
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