‘Privileged’ Thomas Tuchel Excited to Work With ‘Special’ England Squad

After months of speculation the English FA has finally confirmed the hiring of Thomas Tuchel. Rumors had been swirling for some time, but things quickly escalated on Tuesday night when talks between both parties picked up pace, and by early Wednesday morning, the deal was sealed for the 51-year-old German to take the reins at St George’s Park.

Tuchel will succeed Gareth Southgate, who in his seven-year stint as the Three Lions’ boss achieved unprecedented success. However, he failed to guide England over the last hurdle, as the Three Lions succumbed to Euro finals defeats to Italy in 2021 and Spain in 2024 as well as a defeat to Croatia in 2018 World Cup Semifinals. While Southgate’s tenure was historic, fans are now looking to Tuchel to be the one to finally break England’s 58-year trophy curse. Tuchel arrives with the weight of expectation, though some might raise eyebrows given his last season at Bayern Munich didn’t end with silverware. However, his reputation as a serial winner is undeniable. The German tactician boasts a résumé filled with title triumphs, including a Champions League, Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea.  

There’s a palpable sense of belief that Tuchel’s expertise could be the missing piece in England’s quest for an international trophy. Thomas Tuchel has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract with the FA, meaning he'll be at the helm for England’s highly anticipated 2026 World Cup campaign. With the Three Lions boasting one of the most talented squads in the world, many already consider them favorites for the tournament. England’s roster reads like a dream: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and rising star Cole Palmer are just a few of the world-class talents at Tuchel’s disposal. It’s this “special” blend of talent that has the German boss buzzing with excitement about what lies ahead. 

In a statement released by FA, Tuchel said, “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.” Along with Tuchel, the FA have also decided to hire Tuchel’s assistant coach at Bayern, Anthony Barry. The new England boss also stated that, “Working closely with Anthony as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud. I want to thank the FA, in particular (FA CEO) Mark (Bullingham) and (technical director) John (McDermott), for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.” 

English fans and the FA are buzzing with excitement over the appointment of Thomas Tuchel—and why wouldn’t they be? Tuchel’s reputation as one of the world’s elite managers had him linked with European giants like Manchester United and AC Milan, so landing him is a massive win for the FA, who have made it clear he was always their “preferred candidate” for the job. Whether Tuchel succeeds remains to be seen, but the stars are certainly aligning. With a talent pool as deep as England’s and one of the sharpest footballing minds now leading them, it feels like the perfect storm. Betting against the Three Lions? That might just be a mistake. 

Also Read: England Complete the Blockbuster Hiring of Thomas Tuchel as Men’s National Team Head Coach