Ex-Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel appointment as England head coach, says honoured to lead team (WATCH)

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Oct 16, 2024, 2:17 PM IST

In a significant development for English football, Thomas Tuchel has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the England national football team.

In a significant move for English football, Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new head coach of the England men's national team. The former Chelsea manager, renowned for his tactical acumen and success across European club football, will officially take over the reins on January 1, 2025. His appointment follows the conclusion of Lee Carsley's tenure as interim head coach, with Carsley set to return to his previous role managing the England U21 side.

Tuchel, 51, has signed an initial 18-month contract that will see him lead the Three Lions through to the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He will be assisted by Anthony Barry, his trusted assistant from previous stints at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, as he embarks on his first international management role.

We’re delighted to announce that UEFA Champions League winner Thomas Tuchel is the new England senior men’s head coach and will be assisted by internationally renowned English coach Anthony Barry.

— The FA (@FA)

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Tuchel expressed his excitement and pride at taking on the challenge of managing England, a nation with which he has developed a strong connection throughout his career.

“I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team,” Tuchel said in his first official statement. “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”

Tuchel’s first message as England boss! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/kTtzqbUuxo

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)

Tuchel's appointment comes after a period of speculation about England’s managerial future following Gareth Southgate's departure and Carsley’s temporary role.

Tuchel’s managerial record speaks for itself. He first made his mark at Borussia Dortmund, where he won the DFB-Pokal, before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he claimed multiple Ligue 1 titles and led the team to their first UEFA Champions League final in 2020. His greatest success, however, came at Chelsea, where he guided the club to their second-ever Champions League triumph in 2021, defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the final.

His tactical flexibility and ability to make in-game adjustments have set him apart from other managers, attributes that England fans will welcome after years of frustration with former head coach Gareth Southgate's perceived tactical rigidity in high-pressure matches. England have consistently come close to glory in recent years, including reaching the finals of Euro 2020 and Euros 2024, but have fallen short of winning major tournaments.

With Tuchel’s proven record of winning in cup competitions—particularly in Europe—he is seen as the ideal candidate to guide England to World Cup success in 2026.

One of the key advantages Tuchel brings to the England setup is his familiarity with the current squad. Many of England’s top players, including captain Harry Kane, will be well known to him from his time managing Chelsea and Bayern Munich. In fact, Tuchel played a crucial role in bringing Kane to Bayern in the summer of 2023, a transfer that dominated headlines at the time. This established relationship could prove vital in fostering cohesion within the national team setup as Tuchel prepares for his first international assignment.

With England having reached the finals of the last two European Championships but unable to secure the title, Tuchel’s experience in winning major tournaments could be the missing piece in their quest for international glory. The ultimate goal for the German tactician will be to guide England to victory at the 2026 World Cup—a task that has eluded the national team since their only triumph in 1966.

Interestingly, Tuchel’s initial contract only runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup, an arrangement that aligns with his preference for short-term deals. Throughout his club career, the 51-year-old has demonstrated a desire for flexibility, often preferring to evaluate his position and options after a couple of seasons rather than committing to long-term contracts. While this approach has sometimes been a source of tension in club football, it could be well-suited to the nature of international management, where tournament cycles tend to define success.

Tuchel’s approach to short contracts allows both parties to reassess their objectives post-World Cup, ensuring a focused and performance-driven tenure for his time in charge.

As Tuchel gears up for his official start on January 1, 2025, England fans will be eager to see what changes he implements. His tactical nous, winning mentality, and experience at the highest levels of European football offer hope that he can turn England into a formidable force on the international stage.

With the 2026 World Cup now the primary target, England’s footballing community is hopeful that Tuchel’s leadership will finally help them cross the threshold from nearly-men to champions. His combination of tournament-winning experience and familiarity with the English game makes him a potentially transformative figure for the national team.

For now, all eyes will be on the new era set to unfold under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance, as England look to build on recent successes and finally bring football home.

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