Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach, has signed a deal to become the new England manager.
The German, who has been out of work since leaving Bayern in the summer, will become the full-time successor to Gareth Southgate, who resigned after England’s defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 in July.
Tuchel, 51, guided Chelsea to Champions League success in 2021 but was sacked the following year.
Tuchel is the first non-English manager to take the role since Fabio Capello quit in 2012, and only the third overall, following the Italian and the Swede, Sven-Goran Eriksson.
While some may be dismayed at the idea of a German taking over the national team, the FA has made it clear throughout the recruitment process that nationality should be no barrier to the role.
Before the appointment was confirmed, England captain Harry Kane welcomed the idea of Tuchel taking over the national side.
Tuchel on the touchline during his time with Bayern Munich in 2023. File pic: PA
Kane, who was coached by the German at Bayern Munich last season, said at a club fan event: “I know Thomas well from last year. Fantastic coach, fantastic person”.
As well as the Champions League, Tuchel led Chelsea to Super Cup and Club World Cup victory and steered Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern to the French and German league titles respectively.
He was one of the bookmakers’ favourites for the England job, along with, among others, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was approached by the FA. Pic: Reuters
According to Sky Sports, the FA approached the Spaniard’s representatives, but there were no further developments.
Other leading candidates are believed to have included another German, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and the English pair, Graham Potter and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe.
England under-21 coach Lee Carsley was in interim charge of the senior team for the four autumn Nations League matches.
He guided the Three Lions to three wins, but a 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley in October in his third match in charge, prompted doubts over his suitability for the full-time role.
England interim manager Lee Carsley. Pic: Reuters
During a short playing career, Tuchel had spells at Stuttgarter Kickers in the German second tier, Bundesliga 2, and SSV Ulm in the division below before quitting due to a serious knee injury at the age of 24.
He gained a degree in business administration at the University of Stuttgart while working as a waiter, before becoming a youth football coach and, in 2009, he was appointed manager of Bundesliga side, Mainz, at the age of 36.
Tuchel guided the unfancied team to the Europa League for the first time in its history and earned a reputation as one of German football’s “most tactically astute young coaches”, the official Bundesliga website said.
Asked about his preferred style, he told German newspaper Die Zeit it was “dynamic and forward-defending”, while players were treated “in a certain way and ensure a harmonious atmosphere”.
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