JUST IN: Thomas Tuchel Named New England Manager
Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new manager of the England national football team, effective January 1, 2025. The 51-year-old German coach, who has been without a club since leaving Bayern Munich at the conclusion of last season, takes over from Gareth Southgate, becoming the third foreign manager in the history of the Three Lions, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Tuchel’s impressive track record includes stints at Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, where he earned significant trophies, which the Football Association (FA) hopes will help end England’s 58-year drought without a major tournament victory.
Despite his credentials, Tuchel’s appointment has sparked criticism regarding the FA’s preference for a foreign manager over an English candidate for such a prestigious role. He will be joined by Anthony Barry, an English coach who previously worked with him at Bayern Munich.
In a statement released by the FA, Tuchel expressed his pride in leading the England team: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. 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 I am excited about the opportunity to work with this talented group of players.”
Tuchel’s coaching accomplishments include winning league titles with PSG and Bayern, as well as the German Cup with Dortmund. His most notable success came during his tenure at Chelsea, where he guided the club to Champions League victory shortly after taking charge in 2021, along with winning the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. However, he was dismissed by Chelsea in September 2022, an early decision made by the club’s new ownership.
Taking over from Southgate, who led England to the finals of the European Championship twice, as well as a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, Tuchel aims to bring success to a national team that has not won a major men’s tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed enthusiasm for Tuchel’s hiring, stating, “We are thrilled to have hired Thomas Tuchel, one of the best coaches in the world. Since Gareth resigned, we have evaluated several candidates, and Thomas stood out with his extensive experience and determination.”
Tuchel will inherit a gifted squad featuring players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Cole Palmer, positioning England as strong contenders for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.