Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the challenge of ending England’s long wait for a major trophy as he was introduced as the new manager of the Three Lions on Wednesday. The former Chelsea manager takes on the role with a mission to bring success to the national team. He starts his tenure on January 1, 2025, with an 18-month contract that extends through the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel declared his ambition to win the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that the team’s success hinges on refining “nuances” and “details.” He believes these minor adjustments could be the key to ending England’s lengthy wait for a major trophy.
Speaking to the media after FA officially announced his arrival, Tuchel stated, “I don’t know, it depends. I know what you’re saying. No, it’s not a gamble, but we speak it out now very clearly why we are here and what we want to achieve.”
“We are not shy of it. We are absolutely open about it. It does not help the more often we speak about it, but it should be out there and then we can set the standards and set the values and principles because then we have to live up to them for 18 months. Let’s judge it when we have done it.” Tuchel said.
“If we decide it was a failure, we will not continue. If we decide it was not a failure, then we will continue. Let’s see. No one can predict the future. It feels absolutely right for me to do so; it feels clear and easy to explain. When it’s easy to explain, it’s normally good.” he added.
📩 (1) new message from Thomas Tuchel. pic.twitter.com/ADTVUHpnRN
— England (@England) October 16, 2024
Tuchel, who previously managed Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, brings the kind of winning mentality that the FA hopes will end England’s 58-year drought for a major tournament victory, dating back to their World Cup triumph in 1966 on home turf.
However, the FA’s decision has faced backlash, with critics questioning their reluctance to appoint an English manager to lead a talented squad, including stars like Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, who will be among the top contenders for the 2026 World Cup. Some argue that an English coach might be better suited to understanding the unique dynamics of the local football culture and effectively managing homegrown talent. Critics, including former players and analysts, worry that Tuchel’s international background could create a disconnect with the team’s traditional identity and fan base.
On the other hand, Tuchel’s supporters point to his impressive resume, which includes a Champions League triumph with Chelsea in 2021, as evidence that his expertise could be the catalyst England needs to reach the next level on the international stage.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
