England confirms Thomas Tuchel as Southgate’s replacement

Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England’s head coach and will resume on the first day of 2025.

The 51-year-old German who has penned an 18-month contract becomes England’s third non-British permanent manager of the Three Lions after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello – and will be assisted by his former colleague at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Anthony Barry.

The role became vacant following the resignation of Gareth Southgate in July after England’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain in the 2024 EUROS Final in Berlin.

The England U21 coach, Lee Carsley, was appointed on an air interim basis and has overseen four matches since he stepped into the role in August. 

Lee Carsley will continue on the job for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland next month but will return to manage England’s U21 when the German takes over.

A few managers were interviewed – notably Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, while Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter were also mentioned – before the FA board sanctioned the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, who signed the dotted lines on October 8.

England has not won a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, and Tuchel’s first assignment is to make England commence their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on an inspiring note when he resumes officially next year.

Former Chelsea boss Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, said: “I am very proud to have been given the honor of leading the England team.”

Tuchel worked with England captain Harry Kane during his spell at the German club and he’s also familiar with the majority of England’s squad from his time in the Premier League as Chelsea head coach.

He will take over in January, while Lee Carsley will oversee the next two Nations League fixtures in November.