Thomas Tuchel has quickly embraced the England manager's role, describing it as a perfect fit after years of club management. The German tactician, who took over from Gareth Southgate, has impressed players with his sophisticated training methods, with one squad member noting, 'That’s what an elite environment is supposed to feel like.'
Tuchel's approach has brought a more intricate system, including deeper triangulated moves and integrated pressing, which players find closer to their club experiences. The manager himself is visibly energised, often seen engaging with players during training camps, such as the recent sessions in Kansas City ahead of the World Cup.
The 52-year-old has signed on for Euro 2028, tempering expectations that he was hired solely for the upcoming World Cup. However, his enthusiasm for the role is undimmed, despite warnings from predecessors about the pressures of the job, which Sir Alf Ramsey once called 'this feeling of loneliness.'
Tuchel's love for England began during his time at Chelsea, where he enjoyed the raw passion of English football, recalling a match against Sheffield United where he heard manager Chris Wilder shouting at Oliver Burke. He now lives in London, cycling on Lime bikes and frequenting Soho gastropubs, while also engaging with the cultural scene.
Tuchel's decision to take the England job came after a period of reflection following his departure from Chelsea in 2022. He wanted to stay close to the Premier League and found the FA's approach in September 2024 surprising but logical. The role offers the clarity he values, as emphasised by author Simon Sinek, with the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup.
