After a tumultuous period for the England national team, Thomas Tuchel has stepped in as the new manager, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after seven years in charge. Tuchel, known for his successes at clubs like Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Three Lions.
Tuchel’s Decision to Join England
Tuchel’s decision to accept the England job comes on the heels of a notable moment in his career. Earlier this year, he turned down an opportunity with INEOS to manage Manchester United, which led to Erik ten Hag remaining in his position despite a disappointing season. During his first press conference, Tuchel elaborated on his motivations:
“I like the idea here at the FA… and the way their CEO Mark presented it. That was a decision for this job, and not against anyone else or any club.”
Commitment to England
While some have criticized Tuchel’s foreign nationality, he has expressed deep pride in representing England. He aims to instill passion and drive within the team:
“I’m proud to be here, I’m proud to represent England. I want to put the second star on this shirt.”
Tuchel emphasized his dedication to achieving success, particularly with the upcoming 2026 World Cup in sight:
“We will work hard for the biggest target in football, making our dream come true at the World Cup 2026.”
Fan Reception and Future Goals
Former England international Rio Ferdinand has praised Tuchel’s appointment, referring to him as a “serial winner,” which bodes well for the team’s aspirations. The new manager acknowledged the skepticism regarding his nationality but expressed his commitment to integrating into the English football culture and earning the supporters’ trust:
“I just have a German passport… but all of these supporters can feel my passion for the English Premier League, how I love to work here, how I love to live here… hopefully, I can convince them I am proud to be an England manager.”
With Tuchel at the helm, England looks forward to revitalizing its approach and aiming for significant achievements on the international stage.