Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has been officially named the new head coach of the England men’s national football team, with his tenure beginning on January 1, 2025. The 51-year-old German becomes the third non-British manager in England’s history, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Tuchel’s appointment comes after Gareth Southgate stepped down in July following England’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. In the interim, Lee Carsley has been at the helm, guiding the team through four matches since August. Carsley will continue to manage the side for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November.
Speaking about his new role, Tuchel, who departed Bayern Munich at the end of last season, expressed his excitement: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. I’ve always felt a deep connection to football in this country, and I’ve already experienced some unforgettable moments here. It’s a huge privilege to represent England, and I’m looking forward to working with such a special group of players.”
Football Association (FA) Chief Executive Mark Bullingham lauded Tuchel as “one of the best coaches in the world.” The FA confirmed that Tuchel was their top choice after interviewing several candidates. The board approved his appointment last week, and the contract was signed on October 8. However, the official announcement was delayed to avoid distractions during the recent international camp.
Tuchel will be joined by English coach Anthony Barry as his assistant. Tuchel’s coaching résumé includes successful stints at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, making him one of the most highly regarded tacticians in world football.