Thomas Tuchel, the newly appointed manager of England’s men’s national football team, has outlined his vision for the future, focused on creating a fresh style of play and building a winning mentality. The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss is set to take charge in January 2024, replacing Gareth Southgate, on an 18-month contract that runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel’s mission will be to deliver England’s first senior men’s international trophy since 1966, a challenge he embraces with optimism and determination. The German coach stressed the need to move beyond the past and concentrate on establishing a modern, successful approach for the national team.
Moving beyond the past
Despite reaching the European Championship finals in both 2021 and 2024 under Gareth Southgate, England fell just short of lifting the trophy on both occasions. Although Southgate’s tenure brought consistency to the team’s tournament performances, the country’s long-standing struggle to win major trophies has persisted for nearly six decades.
Tuchel believes that to achieve success, England must stop dwelling on previous failures. “We have to free ourselves from history,” he told BBC Sport. He referenced the success of England’s women’s team and various youth squads as evidence that winning on the international stage is achievable. “Nothing is impossible in sport,” he said, adding that the men’s senior team can follow in the footsteps of the Under-21s, who won the European Championship in 2023, and the women’s team, who triumphed in 2022.
A focus on process
For Tuchel, the path to breaking England’s cycle of underachievement lies in creating a solid process. His first step will be to set clear principles and guidelines that will guide the team’s progress. “We need to find principles, maybe also from club football, to which the staff, the players, and I can commit,” he explained.
By establishing a clear identity and style of play, Tuchel hopes to foster the kind of atmosphere that can elevate the team’s performance. However, he acknowledged that success will also require an element of luck, especially in the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup. Despite this, he remains confident that with proper preparation, England can reach their goals.
Facing early criticism
Tuchel’s appointment has not been without controversy. His German nationality has sparked criticism from some quarters, with sections of the media and public questioning the decision to appoint a foreign manager instead of a home-grown candidate. In some cases, the backlash has even taken on a xenophobic tone.
Nevertheless, Tuchel feels confident in his abilities and the support he has received from the Football Association (FA). “I trust myself as a coach and have had very good discussions with the FA, which gives me confidence,” he said. He emphasized that he feels protected from external scrutiny and is focused on winning over the players, staff, and ultimately the fans.
Building a winning mentality
Tuchel’s primary goal is to develop a team capable of competing at the highest level, but he recognizes the importance of creating a positive environment. By winning the trust of his players and staff, he hopes to build the kind of team spirit that can lead to success on the pitch.
“I need to win over the staff, the players, and then hopefully the supporters,” Tuchel said. He believes that once the team is united behind a common purpose, everything else, including media support, will follow naturally. With his proven track record at top European clubs, Tuchel is confident he can deliver the results the FA and the nation are hoping for.
