In a move that has sparked excitement and debate across the football world, Thomas Tuchel, the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager, has been officially named as the new head coach of the England national team.
Tuchel, who will take over from January 2025, has his sights set on one of the biggest challenges in international football: leading England to their first major trophy since their famous 1966 World Cup win.
His appointment comes on the heels of Gareth Southgate’s resignation after England’s narrow defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Southgate, who served as England’s manager for eight years, revitalized the national team and restored pride to the Three Lions. But the burning question on everyone’s mind remains: can Tuchel take England that one step further?
The 51-year-old German coach brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for winning trophies. His most notable triumph came with Chelsea in 2021 when he guided the Blues to Champions League glory just months after taking charge.
His time at Chelsea also saw him lift the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, cementing his status as one of Europe’s top coaches.
Tuchel’s resume extends beyond Chelsea. He has won league titles with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France and Bayern Munich in Germany.
Additionally, he claimed domestic cup victories with Borussia Dortmund, showcasing his versatility in different football environments. Now, with the England national team at his command, Tuchel has been tasked with a mission that has eluded the nation for almost six decades: World Cup success.
England’s failure to secure a major trophy since 1966 has been a thorn in the side of both fans and players. The country boasts a deep talent pool, with the current generation of players being touted as one of the most promising in years. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane give England a strong foundation to build upon.
In his unveiling at Wembley Stadium, Tuchel was quick to acknowledge the expectations that come with the job. “I know there are some trophies missing in the federation, and of course, I want to help make it happen,” he said. His winning mentality and track record will be key as England eyes the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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A Bold Move by the FA
His appointment as England manager marks the third time the Football Association (FA) has chosen a foreign coach for the national team, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
While some view this as a pragmatic decision, others question why an English coach wasn’t chosen for the role. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has been vocal about his concerns regarding the FA’s reluctance to appoint homegrown talent, but FA CEO Mark Bullingham defended the decision.
“We wanted the very best person for the job, and we feel we owe it to the players and the country to provide the leadership that can help get them over the line,” Bullingham explained. He added that Tuchel’s experience in high-pressure tournaments made him the best candidate to guide England through the World Cup campaign.
Building on Southgate’s Legacy
Although Southgate didn’t deliver a trophy during his tenure, he did restore England to the upper echelons of international football, taking them to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. Tuchel recognizes the progress made under Southgate and is determined to build on it.
“We will build on everything Gareth and the FA built and hopefully add that extra bit to get us over the line,” Tuchel said. His ability to quickly instill values and principles will be vital in ensuring the team continues on its upward trajectory.
Collaboration with English Talent
One key aspect of his managerial style is his ability to work collaboratively with top-tier talent. His rapport with star players, including England captain Harry Kane, will be essential.
Kane, who played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich, praised the appointment, calling him “a top coach and a great person.” Kane’s leadership, combined with Tuchel’s tactical acumen, could be the formula England needs to succeed on the global stage.
Tuchel’s backroom staff will also feature English coach Anthony Barry, who worked with him at Bayern Munich. This blend of international expertise and local knowledge could be the perfect recipe for success.
Tuchel’s Challenges Ahead
Although Tuchel’s start date is set for January 2025, the new England manager already faces enormous expectations.
England’s defeat to Greece in a Nations League match just days after Tuchel signed his contract has put pressure on interim manager Lee Carsley. While the FA insists that result had no bearing on Tuchel’s appointment, it highlights the challenges ahead.
Tuchel, however, remains focused on the long-term project. He expressed his desire for a “clean start” in January, allowing him time to recharge before diving into the task of leading England through World Cup qualification. His first camp with the squad will take place in March 2025, giving him a few months to lay the groundwork for the upcoming tournament.
