Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to be appointed as the new manager of the England national football team, following an agreement with the Football Association (FA). Significant media outlets, including The Times, Sky Sports, the BBC, and German newspaper Bild, have confirmed that the 51-year-old German coach will take over the role after Gareth Southgate’s departure. While the FA has not officially commented on the situation, CEO Mark Bullingham is expected to provide clarity on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium, coinciding with the anticipated confirmation of Tuchel’s appointment. Should this come to fruition, Tuchel will make history as the third foreign manager to lead the Three Lions, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Tuchel’s signature is reportedly set to be for an 18-month term, starting on January 1, 2025, continuing until the end of the 2026 World Cup. The move to appoint Tuchel is a significant strategic choice for the FA, as he possesses a wealth of experience and a proven record in high-pressure environments. Known for his time with top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, Tuchel has a rich trophy cabinet that includes league titles in France and Germany, a UEFA Champions League victory with Chelsea, as well as other prestigious awards. His past successes have made him a coveted candidate to help bring an end to England’s long-awaited pursuit of major international trophies, which has extended for 58 years.
However, the decision to favor Tuchel has sparked criticism regarding the FA’s preference for foreign coaches over English candidates. While Tuchel’s accomplishments are noteworthy, they raise questions about the organization’s commitment to developing homegrown talent for high-level coaching roles. His tenure at Chelsea was particularly impactful as he led the club to a Champions League title just months after his arrival. Despite a brief and tumultuous period afterward, including his sacking in September 2022, Tuchel’s appointment at Bayern Munich soon followed, where he guided the team to another Bundesliga title but faced challenges that led to a notably disappointing trophyless season.
Lee Carsley currently occupies the temporary managerial position following Southgate’s resignation after the Euro 2024 final loss. Carsley had transitioned from his role as the under-21 manager but has conveyed mixed signals about his desire to assume the job permanently. Despite a solid performance record of three wins out of four matches in charge, his case for the managerial position was weakened by a recent Nations League defeat to Greece. In light of the current managerial landscape, Carsley acknowledged the diversity of coaching needed for the role, stating that the best candidate, regardless of nationality, should be granted the opportunity.
Looking ahead, Tuchel will step into an England squad that boasts a plethora of talented players, including stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Cole Palmer, positioning the team as potential favorites for success at the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Kane’s positive experience playing under Tuchel at Bayern Munich—where he netted 44 goals in 45 matches—reflects the promising synergy that could be fostered under his management. The supportive comments from players like Kane suggest an optimistic reception from within the squad to Tuchel’s anticipated leadership.
Southgate’s era was marked by success and progress, reaching the finals of back-to-back European Championships and a World Cup semi-final, yet the heartache of not winning any major tournament since the 1966 World Cup continues to loom over the national team. As England looks optimistically towards the future with Tuchel potentially at the helm, the broader implications of his appointment, including how it reflects on English football’s attitudes towards coaching, will be critical in shaping the team’s journey leading up to the World Cup. The FA’s strategy in blending international experience with homegrown talent might only strengthen the prospects of a revitalized national team.
