Thomas Tuchel is set to take the helm as head coach of the England national soccer team, marking his entry as only the third foreigner in history to hold this esteemed position. This role is renowned for its high expectations and intense scrutiny, making it one of the most challenging jobs in international soccer.
Tuchel swiftly reached an agreement with the English Football Association on Tuesday, following reports that he had emerged as the front-runner for the position just a day prior. His official introduction is anticipated at a press conference in London on Wednesday, where he will succeed Gareth Southgate, who resigned after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Following a series of mixed results under interim coach Lee Carsley, including a disappointing home defeat to Greece in the Nations League, FA officials recognized the urgency for an established and reputable name. While Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was a prominent candidate due to his expiring contract, the uncertainty surrounding his potential cost, coupled with Tuchel’s successful previous collaboration with captain Harry Kane, ultimately led to Tuchel’s selection.
Having parted ways with Bayern Munich at the end of the last season, Tuchel brings a wealth of experience from his tenures at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Borussia Dortmund. Notably, during his time at Dortmund and Chelsea, he coached U.S. captain Christian Pulisic, who thrived within Tuchel’s tactical framework, although he often appeared to lack the coach’s full trust.
At 51 years old, Tuchel first engaged with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott last month, as the federation broadened its search for a new coach.
Tuchel follows in the footsteps of Sven Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello as a foreign-born coach of the England team, becoming the first from Germany, which has historically been one of England’s fiercest soccer rivals.
Reports suggest that Tuchel’s annual salary will range between $5.9 million and $6.5 million, aligning closely with Southgate’s previous compensation. While this is a significant figure for a national team role, it remains less than what elite club coaches typically command.
Tuchel’s tenure at Chelsea was marked by an unexpected twist; he guided the club to a Champions League victory in 2021 but was dismissed a year later by new owner Todd Boehly. Despite this setback, Tuchel left Chelsea with an enhanced reputation, and subsequent events have led many to question the timing of his exit.
Currently, the England program finds itself in a state of uncertainty, with the World Cup in North America just 20 months away.
The Three Lions are undoubtedly equipped with a talented roster, featuring standout players like Jude Bellingham, who was named La Liga Player of the Season with Real Madrid, and Harry Kane, who led the Bundesliga in scoring for Bayern Munich. Additionally, Premier League stars Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are emerging as genuine superstars.
However, the lingering disappointment of not winning a major tournament since 1966 remains palpable. The near misses under Southgate, including a penalty shootout loss to Italy in the 2021 final and a heartbreaking defeat to Spain last summer, have only heightened the pressure.
Tuchel now faces the monumental task of leading a national team that has proven too challenging for many. The English public’s fervent obsession with soccer and their lofty expectations have led some to label this role as nearly impossible.
Despite these challenges, Tuchel is prepared to take on this significant responsibility. England is pinning its hopes on him to transform the dream of ending a 58-year trophy drought into reality.
