Things have become quiet around Thomas Tuchel since the English national football team played their last international matches in November 2024. Before interim coach Lee Carsley’s last two games, there was strong criticism of Tuchel and his late arrival in office. But it has completely fallen silent.
Next Wednesday, Tuchel will officially start work as England’s national coach. A few days before the start, the 51-year-old wished the English fans via Instagram: “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay healthy, have a nice holiday!”and added: “And we’ll see each other soon at the stadium.”
Fear makes the English football soul tremble
When direct promotion from Nations League B to Group A was in jeopardy in November after an unexpected home defeat against Greece, there was very loud dissatisfaction on the island because Tuchel did not want to interfere in the national team’s business.
Because of his absence from the November games and his late entry into office on January 1st, he was already facing strong headwinds on the island. “A joke” be that, a “just chaos”even one “Farce”the English press, known for its harsh tone, railed against Tuchel.
Tuchel wanted to show “respect and trust”.
The anger was triggered by squad chaos, because when interim solution Lee Carsley said goodbye, eight nominated players had canceled the not unimportant Nations League games in November. However, the promotion to League A as group winner calmed things down again. “It was my wish to let Lee finish the work”Tuchel explained his absence: “Then why should I sit in the stands and draw the attention to myself? It was his games and his nomination. For me, that’s a way of showing respect and trust. That was very clear to me.”
The Three Lions mastered their last two games in Greece (3-0) and at home against Ireland (5-0) wonderfully and calmed the agitated football spirits on the island. When the opponents for the 2026 World Cup qualification were drawn in mid-December, peace finally returned among the English experts and supporters. England must beat Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra to travel to the World Cup finals in North America.
“Very clean transition”
Tuchel prefers a start “When qualifying starts, so you have some kind of kick-off.” So be it “very clean transition” for the new campaign. And no one has to worry about it anyway. He has himself “many” Watched games and was “prepared”emphasized Tuchel, who was fired from Bayern in 2024 and then admitted that he had already been active: “We have initiated some developments. We will see many matches live from January and talk to the players. We have many plans.”
However, a change of captain is not one of them. Bayern star Harry Kane is always “a top captain” Tuchel emphasized that there was “no reason to think about a change.” The personnel “Ben White” could be one of the first tasks in his new job: The Arsenal defender had a falling out with Gareth Southgate’s coaching team during the World Cup in Qatar and traveled home early. He cut up the tablecloth with those responsible and asked not to be contacted again. Tuchel announced that he would ask the player whether he would like to play in the national team again.
“This is my dream job”
“I feel good, full of energy“, Tuchel had already emphasized in mid-December on the sidelines of the draw for the World Cup qualifying groups: “I can’t wait to be back on the pitch, to feel the players, to have the feeling of the dressing room – it’s the best thing ever.” At the draw in Zurich, the German national coach Julian Nagelsmann and DFB icon Rudi Völler warmly welcomed their German colleagues.
At the World Cup group draw: Thomas Tuchel and Rudi Völler warmly welcome each other
The Allgäu native had previously said about his involvement in England: It was “It’s a privilege to fill this position, I’m very proud – this is my dream job.” He can finally take it on January 1st.