Thomas Tuchel has told a press conference he has not decided yet whether he will sing the national anthem before England games.
The 51-year-old German made the admission as he was quizzed by journalists after being officially unveiled as the men’s team’s new head coach.
It comes following a row over current interim manager Lee Carsley, who represented Ireland as a player, after he announced he would not sing God Save The King before Three Lions matches.
Tuchel described the song as “very moving” but said: “I have not made my decision yet, I want to be very honest with you.
“I will always show my respect to my new role, to the country, and of course to a very moving anthem, but… I will take a little bit of time for this decision.”
The Football Association revealed during the briefing on Wednesday that it had considered around 10 candidates for the role, which Tuchel will take up in 2025.
The governing body’s chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We interviewed approximately 10 people, we interviewed some English candidates within that. You wouldn’t expect me to divulge any more than that.”
When asked if any of them turned down the opportunity, he replied: “Clearly some were more up for the role than others. But we were absolutely delighted to end up with Thomas.”
Mr Bullingham added: “We believe he gives us the best chance of winning the World Cup so we believe we got the best candidate for the job.”
Mark Bullingham. Pic: Reuters
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In an earlier video message to fans, Tuchel said he was aiming for a “second star” on England’s shirt – which can only be achieved by winning the World Cup.
Speaking from Wembley Stadium, he added: “I’m quite a bit nervous, this is my first message as England head coach.
“There is a reason to be a bit nervous, I think it is a good thing. I can promise I am very excited and very honoured.
“We will do everything to qualify for the World Cup and then try to get the second star on our shirt.”
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During the press conference, Tuchel was also asked by Sky Sports if the England job would be his biggest challenge yet.
He replied: “I understood very quickly that it is a big job… it feels big and it feels like a privilege.
“It is very new because I come from club football, but it is also very exciting.
“Once it was made clear to me that this job is about football and I made up a timeframe in my mind from January to the World Cup I felt excited, and it suited my passion and my strive to push this group of players.”
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The former Chelsea boss also said he hoped to win over sceptical fans who believe the Three Lions should only be managed by an Englishman.
He said: “I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country… no matter what [my] national passport says I am.”
Tuchel told Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris he believed England had the “ingredients” to win a first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
He also declined to say if Harry Kane, who he managed at Bayern Munich, will remain England captain, saying it was “too early to answer these kinds of questions”.
Tuchel’s contract lasts for 18 months and was signed last Tuesday, the FA also revealed.
