Thomas Tuchel has solidified his future with the England national team by extending his managerial contract through to the Euro 2028 tournament, a move that definitively rules him out of the anticipated vacancy at Manchester United. The German tactician, who was appointed in January 2025 following Gareth Southgate's departure after Euro 2024, will now remain at the helm beyond this summer's World Cup in North America.
Securing Stability for the Three Lions
Originally, Tuchel's agreement with the Football Association was set to conclude after the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, this new two-year extension ensures his tenure will continue, allowing him to guide England into a home European Championship in 2028. This edition will be uniquely staged across England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland, an opportunity Tuchel regards as unparalleled in his career.
Ending Premier League Speculation
The contract renewal effectively removes Tuchel from the managerial carousel expected to swirl in the Premier League later this year. Manchester United had been prominently linked with a move for the former Chelsea boss after the World Cup, but the FA acted swiftly to confirm his commitment, aiming to eliminate distractions ahead of the summer's global tournament. In a statement, Tuchel expressed his renewed vigor in the role, noting back in November that he felt "re-energised" by working with the players and staying connected to the Premier League environment.
Tuchel's Reflections and Record
Reflecting on his initial short-term contract, Tuchel admitted he had pushed for a streamlined approach to assess the demands of the England job. He emphasised the importance of trust and support from the federation, stating, "I know very well I need that to be the best version of myself." His tenure has been largely successful, with a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign that saw England win all eight matches in Group K, setting up a group stage at the finals against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
The only setback under his leadership came in a June friendly, where Senegal made history as the first African team to defeat England, securing a 3-1 victory at the City Ground. Tuchel, who boasts a Champions League triumph with Chelsea in 2021 and prior experience at Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, will now focus on England's World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June in Dallas, with his long-term future firmly secured.
