English FA confirms Thomas Tuchel as new head coach

The English Football Association (FA) has officially confirmed the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new head coach of the England national team. The announcement, made on Wednesday morning, follows the FA's successful negotiations with the 51-year-old German coach on Tuesday.

A historic appointment

Tuchel, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, will become the first German-born coach to manage the England national team. His impressive coaching resume includes stints at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, and most recently Bayern Munich. He takes over from Gareth Southgate, who resigned after England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final this past July.

Tuchel's excitement and vision

In his first statement as England's head coach, Tuchel expressed his pride and excitement at the opportunity to lead the team. “I am incredibly proud to have been given the honor of coaching the England team,” Tuchel said. “I have felt a personal connection with this country for a long time. Representing England is a great privilege, and the chance to work with this talented group of players is thrilling. I will do everything in my power to make the supporters proud. I want to thank the FA for their trust, and I am looking forward to our journey together.”

Tuchel's contract runs until the 2026 World Cup, and he will officially take charge on January 1, 2024. Until then, interim coach Lee Carsley will remain at the helm, guiding the team through their upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland in November.

Reuniting with key assistant

Tuchel will be reunited with his trusted assistant coach, Anthony Barry, who worked alongside him during his time at both Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Barry will serve as Tuchel's right-hand man as they look to build a successful campaign leading up to the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The FA's confidence in Tuchel

Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA, expressed the organization’s excitement over Tuchel's appointment. "Thomas Tuchel is one of the best coaches in the world, and with Anthony Barry, one of the best English coaches, supporting him, we are in a strong position," Bullingham said. “Our recruitment process was very thorough. We had a contingency plan in place for when Gareth Southgate stepped down after the Euros. Since then, we spoke to several top coaches, and Thomas stood out with his exceptional expertise and drive. We believe he gives us the best chance of winning the 2026 World Cup.”

A new era for England

With Tuchel now set to lead one of the most talented squads in world football, hopes are high that he can bring success to the national team. His experience in winning top-level trophies and his tactical expertise could be the key to ending England's long wait for a World Cup title. As England looks forward to the future, Tuchel's arrival marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the team and its supporters.