In a dramatic twist to the Football Association's search for Gareth Southgate's successor, Thomas Tuchel has publicly declared his interest in the England managerial position. The Bayern Munich boss, who previously led Chelsea to Champions League glory, revealed he would be "absolutely open" to taking charge of the Three Lions.
Tuchel's Surprise Admission
The German tactician made his unexpected comments while working as a pundit for the BBC during England's thrilling 2-1 victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024. When directly questioned about the possibility of managing England, Tuchel responded with remarkable candour: "Why not? I would be absolutely open to it."
Tuchel, who will leave Bayern Munich this summer, emphasised the unique appeal of international management, stating: "The level is so high, the talent is there. The country is crazy about football, in a positive way. It's a pleasure to be here."
Praise for English Talent
The former Chelsea manager didn't stop at expressing his interest. He went on to lavish praise on several England players, particularly highlighting Crystal Palace's emerging star Adam Wharton.
"Adam Wharton has shown great courage and composure," Tuchel remarked. "He always wants the ball, shows for it, and has the quality to find solutions in tight spaces. He's been a real positive."
Defensive Concerns Addressed
Tuchel also offered his expert analysis on England's defensive setup, specifically addressing the ongoing debate around Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold's roles.
"The connection between Walker and Alexander-Arnold needs work," he observed. "They must communicate better about when to push forward and when to stay. The space behind them was vulnerable at times against Slovakia."
FA's Managerial Shortlist
With Southgate's future uncertain beyond the tournament, the FA is believed to be considering several candidates. Tuchel's surprise availability adds a world-class option to a list that reportedly includes:
- Graham Potter, former Brighton and Chelsea manager
- Eddie Howe, current Newcastle United boss
- Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager with previous Premier League experience
Tuchel's Champions League pedigree and proven success in the Premier League make him an exceptionally attractive candidate, though his appointment would mark a significant departure from the FA's traditional preference for English managers.
International Management Appeal
The 50-year-old German explained the growing appeal of international football: "Club football is day in, day out. International management allows for more time with family while still working at the highest level during tournaments and important matches."
This revelation comes at a crucial time for English football, with the FA facing one of its most significant managerial decisions in recent history. Whether they opt for Tuchel's tactical expertise or prefer to continue with an English candidate remains to be seen, but the German has undoubtedly changed the conversation around the Three Lions' future.
