Thomas Tuchel has agreed to take over as the new manager of the England men’s national football team. This appointment follows Gareth Southgate’s resignation after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. Thomas Tuchel, a former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager, will bring his wealth of experience to the Three Lions. Expected to fly into London this week, Thomas Tuchel is set to sign an 18-month contract worth £5 million annually, which will see him lead the team through the 2026 World Cup in North America.
A press conference to officially announce Thomas Tuchel’s appointment will take place at Wembley tomorrow, attended by FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. The FA moved swiftly to secure Thomas Tuchel’s services, aware that Manchester United was also interested in him as they reconsidered Erik ten Hag’s future following a shaky start to the season.
Thomas Tuchel’s Track Record: Why the FA Chose Him
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment is not without merit, as his impressive CV includes significant achievements in European football. He guided Chelsea to a Champions League victory in 2021, defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the final. Before that, he had won league titles with Paris Saint-Germain and most recently coached Bayern Munich, where he worked with England captain Harry Kane.
The FA, after exploring options like Guardiola and Eddie Howe, found Thomas Tuchel’s familiarity with English football and his trophy-winning pedigree too attractive to pass up. His experience in handling high-pressure environments and top-tier teams aligns with the FA’s desire for a world-class coach who can take England to the next level. Despite some concerns about his German nationality, many pundits believe Thomas Tuchel’s appointment is a masterstroke, with former players like Rio Ferdinand predicting tournament success under his leadership.
Manchester United’s Missed Opportunity
Manchester United’s interest in Thomas Tuchel had been evident over the summer, with reports suggesting that he was their top target to replace Erik ten Hag. However, the club ultimately decided to stick with Ten Hag, despite a poor start to the season. United’s delay in making a decision allowed the FA to swoop in and secure Thomas Tuchel, effectively closing the door on a potential move to Old Trafford.
The FA’s swift action was prompted by a sense of urgency, knowing that United might sack Ten Hag if results did not improve. Tuchel had already met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe during the summer to discuss the possibility of taking over at Manchester United, but the opportunity never materialized. Now, as Thomas Tuchel prepares to lead England, United may regret not moving faster.
Mixed Reactions to Thomas Tuchel’s Appointment
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment has sparked varied reactions within the football community. While many see him as a top-tier coach capable of leading England to international glory, others, like former England manager Harry Redknapp, have expressed disappointment that the FA did not opt for an English coach. Redknapp, a staunch supporter of homegrown talent, voiced concerns about Tuchel’s relatively short tenures at top clubs, questioning whether his track record justifies the move.
However, Tuchel’s supporters, including former players like Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand, are optimistic. Ferdinand emphasized that Tuchel’s nationality is irrelevant as long as he brings success. Carragher, too, highlighted Tuchel’s ability to win big matches, referencing his Champions League triumph with Chelsea as proof that he can handle high-stakes situations.
Thomas Tuchel’s Challenges and Expectations
Taking over the England team is no small task, and Tuchel will face immense pressure from the outset. Former England defender Stuart Pearce acknowledged the difficulty of the job, noting that Tuchel’s first major challenge will be the 2026 World Cup, a tough tournament that will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Expectations are sky-high, with fans and pundits alike expecting nothing less than a World Cup victory.
Tuchel’s immediate focus will be on assembling a coaching team, likely bringing in familiar faces like Anthony Barry, who worked with him at Chelsea and Bayern. Meanwhile, interim manager Lee Carsley will continue to oversee the team’s Nations League matches before Tuchel officially takes over in January 2025. The FA hopes that Tuchel’s appointment will mirror the success of Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to victory in the 2022 Euros
