Thomas Tuchel signs contract to become England’s new national team coach
Ace German coach Thomas Tuchel has officially signed a contract to become the new manager of the England men’s national football team, according to Sky Sports News. This will make Tuchel the third foreign manager to lead the England squad, following in the footsteps of the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and Italy’s Fabio Capello.
Tuchel who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, will be taking over from interim England coach Lee Carsley. This role became available after Gareth Southgate resigned following England’s narrow defeat to Spain in the European Championship final in July 2024. Tuchel has been out of a job since departing Bayern Munich at the end of last season, after finishing third in the Bundesliga behind Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart.
The English Football Association is set to officially introduce Tuchel as the new head coach during a press conference at Wembley on Wednesday, with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expected to address the media.
Tuchel has enjoyed a reputation as a tactical mastermind in the Bundesliga, where he had succeeded Jürgen Klopp at Mainz 05 in 2009. When Klopp stepped down as Borussia Dortmund manager in 2015, Tuchel once again followed in his footsteps, leading Dortmund to a German Cup victory in 2017. Tuchel then made his way to Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, replacing Unai Emery and winning consecutive French league titles. He also guided PSG to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020, though they lost to Bayern Munich.
Becoming the manager of England marks a new and challenging chapter in Tuchel’s career, as he will be tasked with delivering the nation’s first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. The England manager role is one of the most scrutinized in the footballing world, and Tuchel will face immense pressure to bring success to the passionate football-loving nation. Southgate himself opened up during the Euros about the personal nature of much of the criticism directed at the position.
Before appointing Tuchel, British media reported that the FA had informally reached out to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the current season. However, Guardiola reportedly declined the role.
Lee Carsley, who stepped in as interim manager, had consistently distanced himself from the permanent role, emphasizing that his focus was on guiding the team through six matches. After England’s 3-1 win over Finland, Carsley remarked that the job “deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies,” paving the way for Tuchel’s appointment.
With Tuchel and his history of success at major clubs and his reputation as a top tactician, England fans will be eager to see if he can lead the Three Lions to long-awaited international glory.
