The Football Association (FA) has officially appointed Thomas Tuchel as the new head coach of England’s men’s national team, succeeding Gareth Southgate. The decision, while celebrated by some for its ambition, has sparked significant debate, with many questioning the implications of appointing a foreign manager. Tuchel, a 51-year-old German, brings a strong track record, but his nationality has caused concern for those who hoped for a homegrown successor.
Those in leadership at the FA seem to have prioritized the pursuit of success above all else, perhaps veering away from the ethos established during Southgate’s reign. The era of “Club England” that Southgate championed might be fading, but if this bold move brings the desired glory, few will complain. This is the gamble inherent in international football.
While the groundwork has been laid for Tuchel to flourish in his new role, not everyone emerges as a winner from this decision.
The Legacy of Gareth Southgate
Southgate’s tenure, spanning seven years, was one of the most successful periods for England’s men’s team since their 1966 World Cup triumph. His leadership had seemingly opened doors for English coaches to step up, but the appointment of Tuchel has slammed those doors shut once again.
Harry Redknapp, a well-respected English manager, was particularly vocal in his dissatisfaction when news of Tuchel’s appointment surfaced. He stated:
“[Tuchel] has lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs,” he remarked. “It’s not like he’s been a massive success. He’s come and gone at a couple of clubs. I’m very patriotic, I think we should have an English manager but obviously the field was very small to choose from.”
The FA, during Southgate’s time, often spoke of nurturing a pathway for English coaches to reach the top job. This was reflected in Lee Carsley’s brief stint as interim manager, where he was considered a potential candidate for the full-time role. However, it seems the FA has decided that Carsley, along with other homegrown names like Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard, are not yet ready for the challenge.
Though a bitter pill to swallow, the hope remains that in the future, these English coaches will be better positioned to assume the national role when the opportunity arises once more.
Tuchel’s Tactical Pedigree
Despite the disappointment for local coaching talent, it is undeniable that this current generation of England players requires world-class leadership. Thomas Tuchel brings with him a diverse tactical background and a reputation for adaptability, qualities that make his appointment exciting.
Throughout his career, Tuchel has showcased an ability to tailor his approach to the needs of each team he has managed. At Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, high-pressing football was a hallmark of his style. At Paris Saint-Germain, he balanced the egos of superstar players without disrupting team harmony, and at Chelsea, he tightened the defence to deliver a Champions League title. Although his tenure at Bayern Munich ended in disappointment, he is not solely responsible for their struggles.
This versatility has often gone unnoticed, but it should give England fans confidence that Tuchel is capable of maximising the potential of their star-studded squad. If there is one manager who can seamlessly fit England’s talented attacking players into a cohesive unit, it is him.
Guardiola’s Case
Interestingly, another high-profile manager who could have filled the vacancy is Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City manager, whose contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season, has previously expressed a desire to manage at the international level. Guardiola has mentioned his love for English football and would have relished the chance to end the country’s long wait for international silverware.
Earlier this year, Guardiola shared his frustrations about the lack of opportunities in international football, stating:
“I have long wanted to coach an international team, but the offers just have not come.”
Had he been available, Guardiola could have been a perfect fit for England, and guiding the national team to success would have undoubtedly bolstered his legacy as one of the greatest managers of all time. However, with Tuchel now in charge, that dream has been put on hold for Guardiola, at least for a few more years.
Impact on Manchester United’s Plans
Tuchel’s appointment may have wider consequences beyond just the England national team. It is widely believed that Manchester United had Tuchel in mind as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag. Reports suggested that the United hierarchy had been in discussions with Tuchel last summer and had considered him again during the October international break. With Tuchel now committed to England, Manchester United will have to look elsewhere if they decide to part ways with Ten Hag.
United’s struggles under Ten Hag have been evident, and the club’s top alternative to the Dutchman has now been taken off the table. They will likely need to endure the current situation for a while longer as they wait for a new candidate to emerge.
The Players Who Stand to Gain
Not all reactions to Tuchel’s appointment have been negative. Several of England’s senior players, including captain Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, are likely to welcome the news. Tuchel had been instrumental in securing Kane’s move to Bayern Munich last summer after a long courtship, and the striker is eager to continue competing at the highest level well into his thirties. With a trusted figure like Tuchel at the helm, Kane can look forward to a well-structured team around him.
As for Sterling, who has not played for England in almost two years, Tuchel’s arrival may provide a chance for him to revive his international career. Now on loan at Arsenal and primarily used as an impact substitute, Sterling’s time under Tuchel at Chelsea was a positive experience. Tuchel was clear about his admiration for the player, stating:
“[Sterling] was the absolute number one for that position. I gave his name to Todd [Boehly] straight away,” Tuchel said in 2022. “Every time we played against him, he’s horrible to play against, horrible! The main point is his intensity and the amount of repetition of intensity that he delivers. This is simply outstanding over the last years.”
With Tuchel now in charge, Sterling may yet have the opportunity to reignite his England career and contribute once again to the national team’s fortunes.
A New Chapter for England
The biggest winner of this entire saga is undoubtedly Thomas Tuchel himself. Having emerged from a difficult spell at Bayern Munich and avoided a potentially turbulent stint at Manchester United, he now finds himself in a role that could cement his place in football history.
Tuchel has often expressed his deep connection to English football, stating that he feels more appreciated in England than in his native Germany. His enthusiasm for the English game is evident, and his new position as England’s manager may even reinforce his status as an “honorary Brit.”
Upon his appointment, Tuchel shared his excitement:
“I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team,” he said in the FA’s official announcement. “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.”
