Thomas Tuchel has been officially announced as the new head coach of the England national team, a move that has already sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike.
Known for his tactical expertise and success at club level with teams such as Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, the 51-year-old German now takes on the challenge of leading the Three Lions.
Tuchel takes over from Lee Carsley, who is the interim manager until the end of 2024, having briefly taken over from Gareth Southgate, and the FA will be hoping his experience at the highest level of football will finally help turn England into a side capable of winning silverware on the international stage.
In this article, we will break down what we know so far about Tuchel’s appointment, assess whether this is the right move for England and explore the potential challenges and rewards that lie ahead.
Questions asked
Can Tuchel’s demanding style work with the limited preparation time that comes hand-in-hand with international management? Will he bring the tactical edge that England may need to finally get over the line at a tournament? These are just some of the key questions that will be examined as we look ahead at this new chapter for the Three Lions.
Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract with England, becoming only the third non-British manager to lead the men’s national team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. The short-term deal means the German’s tenure may be limited to just one major tournament, the 2026 World Cup, where he will aim to become only the second foreign manager to win either a World Cup or European Championship.
The German has garnered a reputation throughout his career for being a meticulous and detail-oriented coach, a trait that has enabled him to succeed at the highest level but also means he is liable to fall-outs with players and staff members at clubs alike.
This may mean the less busy world of international football, where Tuchel will not have to interact with the media, players and staff on a daily basis, could fit his personality like a glove. However, there are doubts that a coach as thorough and exacting as Tuchel will be able to coach his side to implement his vision with the short preparation times that international managers have with their teams. This is a factor that England and football fans alike will have to wait to find out.
Master tactician
Nevertheless, there are no doubts that Tuchel will bring the tactical edge that many believed Southgate was lacking, with many believing that the former England manager, who admittedly did well to take England to multiple finals and deep into international tournaments, was not adventurous or tactical enough with such a talented squad.
While some may assume that Tuchel prefers a more defensive style, another aspect of Southgate’s approach that often drew criticism considering the attacking talent in the squad, including players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, the German has a proven track record of adapting to the strengths of his teams. His stints with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, in particular, showcased his ability to implement an attacking style of play.
There will undoubtedly be doubts, criticisms and praise surrounding Tuchel’s appointment as England manager, but whether the German will prove a success for the Three Lions is something that we will have to find to find out. However, there is no doubting his reputation with three league titles, a UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Club Cup to his name, which should stand England in good stead at finally ending what will be a 60-year drought without a major trophy.
Do you think think Tuchel’s appointment is a good one for England? Comment below with your views!
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Congratulations