It is 60 years since Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and their teammates inspired England to their first World Cup triumph against West Germany. Could anyone at Wembley that day, when Moore lifted the Jules Rimet trophy, have imagined that the Football Association would turn to a German to lead England to their next World Cup victory? That is the situation as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with Thomas Tuchel becoming only the second foreign manager of the England men's team.
The nationality debate
How much does the nationality of the Three Lions manager actually matter? This question has been fiercely debated since Tuchel's appointment by the FA. Critics argue that the England manager should come from England. History shows that no foreign manager has ever won the World Cup, suggesting that hiring a non-native may not lead to success.
However, after narrowly missing out on major trophies under Gareth Southgate, many fans were ready for a change and believe giving Tuchel a chance was the right decision. What is your opinion? Should the England manager be English? Vote in our Express Sport poll below.
Gary Neville's view
Former England international Gary Neville is one who believes the England manager should be English. After Southgate's resignation in 2024, Neville said: “The next manager will have to win a trophy to surpass what Gareth has achieved. Over the years we have had every type of manager – the fashionable, the international manager, the best English managers, people who have come through the ranks with youth teams. There is no science in terms of what works. Graham Potter and Eddie Howe will get mentioned, and I think it will definitely be an English manager.
“Moving to St George's Park was to promote and develop English coaches. To take that away from an English manager and give to an international manager would be wrong.”
England's World Cup campaign
All eyes will be on Tuchel this summer as England's World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on Wednesday. Group matches against Ghana and Panama follow, then the knockout stages from the round of 32. England are expected to progress from their group. If they win the group, they will face a third-place team in the round of 32. However, a last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium is possible, with Brazil likely quarter-final opponents if England advance.
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