Tuchel says he wants to deliver 'missing trophies' to England

Thomas Tuchel was unveiled on Wednesday as the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate, who led England to back-to-back finals in the Euros. The fomer Chelsea boss has been without a club since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, and will now begin his role in January after agreeing to a 18-month deal (until the end of the 2026 World Cup).

"The offer came in the absolutely right time," Tuchel said as he was announced at a press conference at Wembley Stadium. "Now I have to live up to it of course. I know that there are some trophies missing in the federation and, of course, I want to help to make it happen." Tuchel led Chelsea to towards their second Champions League in 2021 and has also won multiple major trophies during his times at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. That said, his appointement as England manager has sparked controversy in the football world.

"Sorry I have a German passport," Tuchel joked during the press conference. He is the third foreign manager to be appointed as England men's national team head coach. "Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them that I'm proud to be the English manager," he added. "I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country and the target for the next 18 months is (the World Cup), nothing else and the biggest one in football."

England are among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup - which will be held in the Unites States, Canada and Mexico - with the likes of Bellingham, Saka, Foden, Palmer, Alexander-Arnorld and Rice in the Three Lions' talented squad. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA, said they had interviewed 10 candidates, including English ones, but that in the end, Tuchel represents the best chance for England to win a major trophy. "Thomas was absolutely outstanding, providing a really clear vision for the role and how he would work with our players to get the best out of them, and to give us the best chance in the World Cup," said Bullingham.

 

October 16, 2024