Thomas Tuchel agreed to take over as England’s permanent manager, and the Football Association is getting ready to officially announce his appointment.
Tuchel’s agreement to become England’s third foreign manager following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello marked a swift advancement in negotiations between the FA and the German coach on Tuesday.
The arrival of Tuchel overcomes any doubt over the full-time replacement of Gareth Southgate and precludes Manchester United from undermining the FA’s interest in him. In the summer, Tuchel was consulted by United over the prospect of taking Erik ten Hag’s place.
Tuchel has always been amongst the favourites for the full-time England job and, along with Pep Guardiola, was one of a number of managers to have been sounded out since Southgate stepped down.
Those talks advanced quickly towards a conclusion, with Tuchel excited to return to England and work with a squad that he believes is capable of winning trophies.
Tuchel fits the remit set out by interim head coach Lee Carsley of being “a world-class coach who has won trophies” and previously worked in England, at Chelsea, and with a number of England players – including captain Harry Kane, who he signed for Bayern Munich.
Tuchel has been out of work, despite remaining on the Bayern payroll after leaving his position at the end of last season, effectively meaning he has been on gardening leave.
Bayern refused to comment on whether or not his release would have to be negotiated, but sources in Germany have claimed the FA will not have to pay compensation.
Tuchel will relish the opportunity of working again with England captain Kane, who is a big fan of the 51-year-old.
The German has proved himself to be an excellent tournament manager, winning the Champions League at Chelsea and reaching the finals of the FA Cup and the League Cup.
While Tuchel’s track record cannot be questioned, the FA’s decision to appoint a foreign manager to permanently succeed Southgate will cause debate.
Tuchel will become the third foreign manager of the men’s national team, with the women already managed by Sarina Wiegman, who is from the Netherlands.
The plan has been for Carsley to remain in interim charge for the November Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland. It’s not clear if that could change now Tuchel has agreed to take the job.
