The Football Association (FA) has officially appointed Thomas Tuchel as England’s new manager, marking the end of the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor. Tuchel, the 51-year-old German coach with an impressive managerial track record, has signed an 18-month contract starting in January 2025. The former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Bayern Munich manager takes on the challenging task of leading England to their first major trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph.
Tuchel’s arrival is viewed as a significant move by the FA, signaling their commitment to hiring a manager with elite-level experience and a proven ability to win at the highest levels. With his appointment, England is gearing up for a fresh approach, one that fans hope will bring an end to the long trophy drought. Tuchel’s first competitive fixtures with the Three Lions will take place in March 2025 during the UEFA Nations League, offering an early opportunity to assess how he plans to shape the team.
A Proven Winner: Tuchel’s Managerial Track Record
Tuchel is no stranger to success, having earned a reputation as one of Europe’s top managers. His most notable achievement came in 2021 when he led Chelsea to Champions League glory, defeating Manchester City in the final. His tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players earned him widespread praise during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Before his time at Chelsea, Tuchel managed PSG, where he won two Ligue 1 titles and led the club to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020, though they lost to Bayern Munich. After a brief stint at Bayern Munich, Tuchel found himself available when the FA came calling, eager to find a successor to Southgate who could take England’s talented squad to the next level.
Tuchel’s experience managing world-class players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Robert Lewandowski will serve him well as he steps into the England role. With the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka at his disposal, Tuchel will have plenty of attacking talent to work with.
High Expectations: Tuchel’s Tactical Vision for England
One of the main reasons Tuchel was chosen for the England job is his emphasis on high-octane, attacking football. Known for implementing high-pressing tactics and maintaining a disciplined defensive structure, Tuchel is expected to bring an exciting style of play that will capitalize on England’s youthful attacking talents.
During his time at Chelsea, Tuchel demonstrated his tactical flexibility, often switching between formations to exploit his opponents’ weaknesses. Whether using a 3-4-3, 4-3-3, or 3-5-2, Tuchel’s teams were known for their fluidity, ball retention, and ability to transition quickly from defense to attack. England fans can expect a similar approach, with the likes of Kane, Foden, and Saka likely to thrive under his system.
Thomas Tuchel – Achievements:
1X WORLD’S BEST CLUB COACH
1X CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNER
1X FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP WINNER
1X UEFA SUPERCUP WINNER
1X GERMAN CUP WINNER
2X FRENCH CHAMPION
1X FRENCH CUP WINNER
1X FRENCH LEAGUE CUP WINNER
2X FRENCH SUPER CUP WINNER
2X GERMAN UNDER-19… pic.twitter.com/UFrAKrwTox— BayernTimes (@BayernTimes) March 25, 2023
Tuchel’s high-pressing philosophy could also benefit England’s defensive organization. The national team has sometimes been criticized for sitting back too much under Southgate, especially in key matches. With Tuchel at the helm, England is expected to adopt a more proactive approach, pressing their opponents higher up the pitch and keeping the pressure on throughout the game.
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The FA’s Bold Move: A New Direction for England
By hiring Tuchel, the FA has taken a bold step toward achieving their ultimate goal—winning a major international trophy. Despite Gareth Southgate’s success in fostering team unity and guiding England to the latter stages of major tournaments, his tenure was often marked by an inability to get over the final hurdle. Three Lions defeat in the Euro 2020 final and their World Cup semi-final exit in 2018 left fans yearning for more.
Tuchel’s appointment signals a departure from the more conservative approach seen under Southgate. The FA is betting on Tuchel’s tactical expertise and his experience winning trophies to finally end England’s long wait for silverware. The decision to hire only the third non-English manager in the team’s history (after Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello) underscores the FA’s desire to bring in a fresh perspective, even if it means breaking tradition.
BREAKING: Thomas Tuchel has agreed to become the next England manager pic.twitter.com/oqs0bhyuYy
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 15, 2024
Early Challenges: Nations League and Euro 2028 Preparation
Tuchel’s first competitive matches with England will come in the UEFA Nations League in March 2025, giving him an early opportunity to shape the team ahead of bigger tournaments. The Nations League, while not as prestigious as the World Cup or European Championship, offers a chance for Tuchel to implement his philosophy and assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses in a competitive environment.
Beyond the Nations League, Tuchel’s primary focus will be on preparing England for the 2028 European Championship, which they are co-hosting. The tournament represents a golden opportunity for England to win their first major trophy in over half a century, and the pressure on Tuchel will be immense. However, given his track record of success in high-pressure situations, the FA is confident that Tuchel is the right man to lead England to glory on home soil.
Player Reactions: Positive Reception from the Squad
England captain Harry Kane has already expressed his admiration for Tuchel, calling him a “fantastic coach” and “fantastic person” in a recent interview. Kane’s relationship with Tuchel will be key, as the striker remains England’s talisman and all-time leading goal scorer. Having worked with world-class forwards throughout his managerial career, Tuchel’s ability to get the best out of Kane will be crucial to England’s success.
Other players, including Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice, are also likely to benefit from Tuchel’s tactical expertise and emphasis on attacking football. With a talented squad at his disposal, Tuchel has all the tools necessary to build a winning team.
Can Tuchel Deliver What Southgate Couldn’t?
Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as Three Lions manager marks a new chapter for the national team. The FA has placed its faith in the German tactician to end England’s 58-year trophy drought and guide the Three Lions to their first major international title since 1966. With an 18-month contract, Tuchel has a clear mandate: to take England’s talented squad and turn them into champions.
As England prepares for their first matches under Tuchel in the Nations League, fans and players alike are excited to see what the future holds. Tuchel’s proven ability to win trophies, coupled with his tactical flexibility and attacking philosophy, gives England the best chance to finally lift silverware once again. The question now is whether Tuchel can succeed where others have fallen short and bring glory back to English football.
