Reports Indicate Thomas Tuchel Set to Take Over as England's Manager Following Gareth Southgate's Exit

After Gareth Southgate vacated the managerial position post-Euro 2024, discussions have been underway between the Football Association (FA) executives, including Chief Executive Mark Bullingham and Technical Director John McDermott, regarding Thomas Tuchel’s candidacy. Following a month of speculation, it has emerged that the former Chelsea manager has signed an agreement with the FA to become the new England manager for the next 18 months. This appointment would make Tuchel the third non-British manager to lead the England men's national team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. An official announcement is expected to be made by Wednesday morning, with a press conference scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium.

Since Southgate's departure, Bullingham and McDermott have been in regular contact with Tuchel, exploring the possibility of him taking on the role. While there were reports of the FA reaching out to Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, discussions did not progress further.

Tuchel's Impressive Track Record

Tuchel, who has had a tumultuous relationship with several clubs in the past, is recognized for his remarkable achievements during his time at Chelsea. Under his guidance, Chelsea triumphed in the UEFA Champions League in 2021, solidifying his reputation as a top manager. During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel developed a strong rapport with the English media and gained popularity among football fans. His illustrious resume includes winning the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup while at Chelsea before his dismissal.

Additionally, Tuchel has a notable history with Borussia Dortmund, where he won the DFB-Pokal (German Cup), and he also clinched two Ligue 1 titles while managing Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2019-20 season. He briefly managed Bayern Munich but departed before his contract ended after failing to secure the Bundesliga title in the 2011-12 season.

Mixed Reactions to Tuchel's Potential Appointment

Since the news of Tuchel’s agreement with the FA broke, reactions have poured in from various football pundits and insiders. Christian Falk, head of football at BILD in Germany, suggested that transitioning from club management to the role of England manager might present challenges for Tuchel. “He is not always an easy guy,” Falk noted on BBC Radio 5 Live. “He had issues with club management in Germany, but his experience in England was different. He has a strong affection for the country and was more accepted than in Germany, which is why he has always wanted to return. His main problems in the past were related to transfers, but that won’t be an issue with the national team,” Falk added.

Conversely, former Chelsea defender Pat Nevin expressed a different perspective on Tuchel's managerial abilities. “What really impressed me during his time at Chelsea was his adaptability,” Nevin remarked on Radio 5 Live. He noted that Tuchel initially favored a formation utilizing three center-backs and wing-backs, largely due to the talents of players like Marcos Alonso and Reece James.

As the confirmation of Tuchel's appointment approaches, anticipation builds around his vision for the England team. His primary objective will be to guide England through the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.