Thomas Tuchel, the former manager of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, has signed a contract to become the new England manager. The German coach, who has been unemployed since his departure from Bayern in the summer, will replace Gareth Southgate, who resigned following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July. Tuchel, 51, led Chelsea to a Champions League victory in 2021 but was dismissed the following year.
Tuchel is the first non-English manager to take the role since Fabio Capello left in 2012, and only the third overall, following the Italian and Sven-Goran Eriksson from Sweden. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott have been negotiating with Tuchel since last month.
Before the appointment was confirmed, England captain Harry Kane expressed support for Tuchel taking over. Kane, who played under Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season, stated at a club fan event: “I know Thomas well from last year. Fantastic coach, fantastic person.”
The Daily Mail can’t resist another bout of Kraut-bashing as Thomas Tuchel is appointed England football manager. What pathetic bastards, always appealing to the worst instincts of their readers. pic.twitter.com/WgzdHZJSLb
— John O’Brennan (@JohnOBrennan2) October 16, 2024
Harry Kane is set to win his 100th England cap against Finland at Wembley. England interim manager Lee Carsley has announced his first squad, including Angel Gomes. The next England manager must “win a major tournament,” according to the FA’s job advert for the new head coach.
Kane, who was signed by Tuchel, had an outstanding season, scoring 44 goals in 45 games. The FA has not yet commented, but Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett indicated the association will confirm the appointment at a Wednesday lunchtime news conference. It remains unclear if Tuchel will attend. Dorsett described the development as an “extraordinary situation,” given the long-standing rivalry between England and Germany. He noted that Tuchel will earn around £4.5m to £5m, a significant pay cut for a highly successful club manager.
England acted swiftly to secure Tuchel, aiming to avoid missing out on a proven winner at club level, similar to Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. The German won the Champions League with Chelsea just five months into his tenure. He navigated challenges at Chelsea, including the sale of the club after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned. Despite his success, he was dismissed shortly after the takeover. While there were rumours of friction over transfers during his time at Bayern Munich, this won’t be an issue with a national team.
Tuchel’s main challenge in his first international role will be to deliver the trophy that England narrowly missed under Gareth Southgate. Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp commented that it was disappointing young English managers were overlooked. He advised the new manager to show “common sense, pick the right players, put them in the right positions, and instil pride in playing for their country.” Redknapp believes Tuchel has a great opportunity “to win a tournament with a talented group of young players.”
In addition to the Champions League, Tuchel led Chelsea to Super Cup and Club World Cup victories and guided Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich to league titles in France and Germany, respectively. He was one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the England job, along with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The FA reportedly approached Guardiola’s representatives, but no further developments occurred. Other leading candidates included former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and the English managers Graham Potter and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.
England under-21 coach Lee Carsley was temporarily in charge of the senior team for the four autumn Nations League matches and was considered a candidate for the job. He led the Three Lions to three wins but faced a 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley last Friday. Uncertainty regarding his ambitions raised doubts about his suitability for the full-time role.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Thomas Tuchel agrees deal to become new England manager following successful talks with the FA, marking a significant shift in the team’s leadership with a German tactician at the helm.(read more)
- Bleacher Report reports that Thomas Tuchel has agreed to replace Gareth Southgate as England’s manager, bringing extensive top-tier managerial experience and a track record of winning major trophies.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is the new England manager?
Why did Gareth Southgate resign?
Following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Is Thomas Tuchel the first non-English England manager?
No, he is the third after Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson.
What did Harry Kane say about Thomas Tuchel?
Kane called Tuchel a ‘fantastic coach’ and a ‘fantastic person.’
What is Tuchel’s main challenge as England manager?
To deliver a major tournament trophy.