Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager, is reportedly set to take charge of the England national team. According to multiple reports, the German coach has agreed to terms with the Football Association (FA) and is expected to be officially announced as the new head coach of the Three Lions. Tuchel’s appointment would mark a significant shift for England, as the team seeks a proven winner to lead them into the next phase of international competition.
Tuchel, who has an impressive track record in club football, is no stranger to success. The 51-year-old manager led Chelsea to UEFA Champions League triumph in the 2020/21 season and has previously worked with England’s current captain, Harry Kane, during his time at Bayern Munich. Tuchel’s experience, tactical acumen, and history of working with top players make him a fitting candidate for the role.
Tuchel’s Journey to the England Job
The FA’s pursuit of Tuchel began earlier this year, with reports suggesting that initial contact was made in July. After several months of discussions, Tuchel is believed to have accepted the offer, paving the way for his return to management following his exit from Bayern Munich. The German tactician’s availability became known after he parted ways with Bayern earlier this summer, a decision that was influenced by the club’s second-place finish in the Bundesliga.
Tuchel’s coaching career has been marked by success at some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He first gained recognition on the international stage by guiding Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to back-to-back Ligue 1 titles in 2018/19 and 2019/20. His time at PSG also included a runners-up finish in the UEFA Champions League, narrowly missing out on European glory. After leaving PSG, Tuchel joined Chelsea in January 2021, taking over a struggling team mid-season. Within a few months, he led them to victory in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final.
Despite his success, Tuchel’s tenure at Chelsea was cut short at the start of the 2022/23 season, following the club’s acquisition by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. His departure was seen as a shock to many, given that he had just recently helped the club lift the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. However, it didn’t take long for him to find a new challenge, as he joined Bayern Munich shortly thereafter.
A Mixed Spell at Bayern Munich
Tuchel’s time at Bayern Munich was a rollercoaster. Initially, he led the team to their 11th consecutive Bundesliga title, maintaining the club’s dominance in German football. However, the following season did not go as planned. Bayern finished second in the Bundesliga, falling short of their usual high standards. In addition, the club was eliminated in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League by Real Madrid, who went on to win the competition.
Despite the ups and downs, Tuchel’s coaching prowess was evident throughout his stint at Bayern. His ability to adapt tactically and manage high-profile players was on display, and his past success at clubs like Dortmund, PSG, and Chelsea solidified his reputation as one of the top managers in the game. For these reasons, it is no surprise that the FA sought his services as they aim to take the England national team to new heights.
Why the FA Turned to Tuchel
The search for a new England manager intensified after Gareth Southgate resigned following the team’s narrow loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate had been a steady hand for England, guiding them to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, where they were defeated by Italy on penalties. However, his decision to step down created a significant void that the FA was determined to fill with an experienced, world-class coach.
Among the names linked with the England job, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was a surprising contender. Reports indicated that the FA reached out to the Spaniard earlier in the season to gauge his interest. However, with Guardiola under contract at City until the end of the 2024/25 season, it seemed unlikely that he would depart from his current role before then. Other potential candidates included Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, who has been praised for his work with the Magpies, and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who remains without a club after leaving Stamford Bridge.
Despite the competition, the FA ultimately prioritized finding a manager with a proven track record of winning trophies, which made Tuchel an ideal choice. His UEFA Coach of the Year award in 2020/21 is a testament to his tactical expertise and ability to get the best out of his squads. England interim coach Lee Carsley, who stepped in after Southgate’s departure, echoed these sentiments. Following a Nations League victory over Finland, Carsley said, “This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies, been there and done it, and I’m still on the path to doing that.”
England’s Future Under Tuchel
If the reports are accurate, Tuchel’s appointment as England manager would usher in a new era for the national team. Known for his meticulous preparation, innovative tactics, and adaptability, Tuchel is expected to bring a fresh approach to a squad that has been on the brink of major success for several years. His familiarity with top English players, including Three Lions captain Harry Kane, who he worked with briefly at Bayern, could be an asset as he seeks to build a cohesive unit.
The England team has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a blend of experienced players and young talents. However, they have been unable to cross the final hurdle and win a major international trophy. Tuchel’s primary task will be to convert England’s potential into silverware, something that has eluded the team since their World Cup victory in 1966. With the next World Cup in 2026, there is optimism that Tuchel can craft a squad capable of competing with the world.
