In a big shake-up for English football, Thomas Tuchel has officially been named the new manager of the England men’s national team, making him the third foreign manager to take on this role. The German mastermind, known for his success in European club football, steps in for Gareth Southgate in what many see as a daring choice by the Football Association (FA). Joining Tuchel is the highly respected English coach Anthony Barry as his assistant, adding some serious firepower to England’s coaching team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
At 51, Tuchel brings a treasure trove of experience and an impressive managerial record to the England job. His crowning achievement came at Chelsea, where he led the club to Champions League glory in 2021, beating Manchester City in the final just months after taking over mid-season. Before Chelsea, he snagged domestic titles in Germany and France, guiding Paris Saint-Germain to back-to-back Ligue 1 wins and Borussia Dortmund to a DFB-Pokal title.
Tuchel’s appointment follows months of speculation from the FA, who had been considering several high-profile candidates. Pep Guardiola was in the mix, but the FA ultimately chose Tuchel, believing he’s the best fit to move the team forward.
The German coach will lead England into the 2026 World Cup in North America, with the FA seeing him as the key to unlocking the full potential of a talented generation of players, many of whom have already reached multiple semi-finals and finals under Southgate.
FA officials believe Tuchel is the perfect candidate to keep England competitive while pushing for their first major tournament win since the 1966 World Cup. His tactical skills, knack for managing star players, and experience at the highest levels of European football make him a top choice for guiding England’s rising stars to silverware.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham praised the appointment, saying, “Thomas Tuchel is a world-class coach with an incredible track record. His appointment reflects our ambition to compete at the very top of world football and to make the most of the unique talent pool we have in the national team. We believe he’s the right man to take us forward.”
One of the exciting aspects of Tuchel’s appointment is his existing relationship with England captain Harry Kane. The two worked together briefly at Bayern Munich last season before Tuchel left the club. Kane, England’s all-time leading goalscorer, has already spoken highly of Tuchel’s managerial style, and their connection could be crucial for the Three Lions as they head into the next World Cup cycle.
Tuchel’s appointment has stirred up mixed reactions across the football world. Pundits and former players have weighed in, with some buzzing about the FA’s bold move, while others are a bit more cautious. Former England striker and leading pundit Gary Lineker was measured in his response, stating, “It’s a bold appointment, but time will tell if Tuchel is the right fit for international football. His club record is fantastic, but managing a national team is a different challenge.”
Meanwhile, Prince William, the President of the FA, showed his full support for Tuchel’s new role, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Exciting times for England, with a generation of talented players and a new manager taking the reins. Thomas, wishing you the best of luck, we’re all behind you! W.”
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