The FA have confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel as England manager. Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract and will start on January 1, 2025, tasked with winning the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
The 51-year-old will be assisted by ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Anthony Barry. Tuchel succeeds Gareth Southgate, who stepped down in July after eight years in charge following the disappointing defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
The German has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the 2023-24 season after a much-publicised falling out with the Bundesliga club’s hierarchy. The FA first contacted him over the summer and this week agreed a deal worth £5million per year.
Tuchel becomes the third foreign England manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. The FA have also confirmed that interim manager Lee Carsley will remain in charge for England’s decisive Nations League matches away to Greece and at home to the Republic of Ireland in November.
Carsley stepped up from the under-21s role following Southgate’s departure but has missed out on the full-time job after sending mixed messages about whether he wanted to be considered. He’ll return to his role as the U21’s head coach in January.
Thomas Tuchel, following his historic Champions League triumph with Chelsea in 2021, expressed his delight at being appointed England manager: “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. Working closely with Anthony as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.”
