Thomas Tuchel press conference LIVE: New England manager says ‘I’m sorry I have a German passport’
The German has been officially unveiled as the third foreign manager of England’s senior men’s side
England have officially announced Thomas Tuchel as the new manager of the men’s national team, with highly-regarded English coach Anthony Barry as his assistant.
The German succeeds Gareth Southgate as the permanent boss of the side in an eye-catching appointment made by the Football Association (FA). The former Chelsea manager has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, but carries real pedigree, leading the Stamford Bridge club to Champions League triumph in 2021 and winning league titles in both Germany and France.
The 51-year-old will lead England into the 2026 World Cup on North American soil having emerged as the FA’s preferred appointment this week – with official confirmation coming on Wednesday morning. A number of candidates, including Pep Guardiola, were sounded out over the vacancy while Lee Carsley performed the duties on an interim basis, but Tuchel fits many of the criteria outlined by the stand-in manager last week.
Having worked closely with captain Harry Kane at Bayern last season, Tuchel will be unveiled as the third foreign holder of the role after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, but leading pundit Gary Lineker isn’t sure the Three Lions have made the right choice.
Follow all the latest updates in our live blog below as Tuchel speaks to the media for the first time as Three Lions boss:
Lineker compares Tuchel to Southgate
On how Thomas Tuchel compares to Gareth Southgate, Gary Lineker said: “He is a different kind of manager to Southgate. He will be more of an aggressive coach in terms of playing on the front foot.
“He is tactically wise and I think he will be more offensive than Southgate. It will be interesting to see if he can make them gel and believe in themselves.”
Shearer has no problem with Tuchel’s nationality
Thomas Tuchel’s German nationality will no doubt displease a certain section of fans, but Alan Shearer says he does not have a problem with it, stating: “If he’s the outstanding candidate, yeah.
“There’s no doubt he’s got an incredible CV, what he’s won and managing at the highest level, working with superstars. But this is going to be a very, very different test for him. It’s a bold move from the FA, there’s no doubt about it.
“We need a trophy, it’s as simple as that. And we need a manager that can deliver that.”
Gary Lineker reveals his choice for England manager
Gary Lineker has revealed who his preferred choice for the England manager’s job is.
Thomas Tuchel is set to be appointed by the FA but, speaking on his The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker admitted he would have gone in a different direction.
“I’d have given the job to [interim boss] Lee Carsley,” he said. “I have seen enough to suggest to me the players really trust him.
“And he is imaginative enough to produce something that is a joy to watch, is entertaining and front-footed football. I’d have gone for Lee Carsley (but) it is not my job to pick people like that.”
Thomas Tuchel ‘very excited and honoured’ to plot England journey to World Cup
Thomas Tuchel is “very excited and honoured” to have the opportunity to start plotting England’s journey towards World Cup glory after being announced as Gareth Southgate’s successor as head coach.
The German former Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich manager becomes the third non-Englishman to hold the post after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
The 51-year-old, who will be assisted by English coach Anthony Barry, will take up the role on January 1 ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign after signing an 18-month deal.
Thomas Tuchel ‘very excited and honoured’ to plot England journey to World Cup
More reaction from Gary Lineker on BBC Sport:
Gary Lineker spoke about new England head coach Thomas Tuchel: “It is an interesting appointment. There is no doubt that he is an elite coach as he has won things, including the Champions League with Chelsea, so he is to be respected.
“Obviously people will debate whether England should have an English coach, and having a German one is interesting, so we will have to see how it pans out.”
Kane reacts to Tuchel appointment
Harry Kane has addressed Thomas Tuchel’s appointment on X saying:
Thomas Tuchel explains why he accepted job as England manager
Thomas Tuchel has been unveiled as England’s new manager at Wembley Stadium, as the German vowed to do everything in his power to win the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel sat next to the Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham as he confirmed he would be beginning an 18-month contract in January, ahead of his first matches next March.
After a decade working at some of the biggest clubs in Europe, delivering trophies at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, the 51-year-old said he had been convinced that this was the right moment to take his first step into international management by FA executives Bullingham and technical director John McDermott.
Thomas Tuchel explains why he accepted job as England manager
Thomas Tuchel addresses media for first time as England coach
Here are a few photos from Thomas Tuchel’s first press conference after being announced as England coach:
Thomas Tuchel reveals stance on singing national anthem as England manager
Thomas Tuchel insists has has not made a decision yet as to whether he will sing the English national anthem.
The German was unveiled as the Three Lions boss at Wembley on Wednesday, becoming the third foreign head coach for the men’s team.
But, after the furore surrounding Lee Carsley’s decision to not sing the national anthem during his reign as interim manager, Tuchel was clear about his position.
Thomas Tuchel reveals stance on singing national anthem as England manager
FA interviewed 10 candidates
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham on other candidates: “The whole process was confidential. I understand at times that may be frustrating for people but we had to make that confidential for us but also really, more importantly for the candidates.
“We interviewed approximately 10 people, we did interview some English candidates within that.”
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