Thomas Tuchel has expressed his gratitude at being appointed as the head coach of the England national football team, stating that it is “a huge privilege”. The former manager of Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich is set to take over from Gareth Southgate, becoming only the third non-Englishman to hold the prestigious position after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
In an official statement released on englandfootball.com, Tuchel shared his excitement about leading the England squad, emphasising his personal connection to the game in the country and the honour it brings him. The 51-year-old German manager is looking forward to working with the talented group of players and is gearing up for the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
Tuchel will be supported by English coach Anthony Barry in his new role, with the duo expected to kick off their tenure on January 1. The Football Association announced that Tuchel had signed a contract on October 8, but the formal announcement was delayed to avoid distractions during the recent international fixtures.
Lee Carsley, who had been serving as interim head coach, was a strong contender for the permanent position before Tuchel’s appointment. The recruitment process commenced following Southgate’s resignation in July, with Tuchel emerging as the preferred choice after a series of interviews with potential candidates.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed his delight at securing Tuchel and Barry, highlighting their expertise and commitment to achieving success with the England team. The focus is now on preparing for the World Cup in 2026, with Tuchel and his coaching team dedicated to maximising the team’s chances in the upcoming tournaments.
Tuchel’s coaching journey began after a knee injury cut short his playing career, leading him to successful stints at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich. His track record includes winning titles and trophies, such as the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.
As Tuchel gears up to lead England, players like Harry Kane have welcomed his appointment, praising him as a fantastic coach and person. The German manager is set to hold a press conference to discuss his new role, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for English football under his leadership.