Tuchel named England manager ahead of 2026 World Cup
Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England’s new football manager, the Football Association (FA) confirmed on Wednesday. The German coach, who previously led Chelsea to Champions League glory, will take charge on January 1, 2025, with an 18-month contract extending through the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel, 51, succeeds Gareth Southgate and becomes the third foreign coach to manage the Three Lions, following Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Tuchel, who has also coached Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund, brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record, with the FA hoping he can lead England to their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
“To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this talented group of players is very exciting,” said Tuchel. “I’m honoured and will do everything to qualify for the World Cup and try to add a second star to our shirt.”
FA CEO Mark Bullingham called Tuchel “one of the best coaches in the world,” adding, “We believe he gives us the best possible chance of winning a major tournament.”
Despite the excitement, some critics argue the FA missed an opportunity to appoint an English manager to lead this talented generation, including Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
(Source: AFP)
