WEMBLEY, LONDON — The Football Association (FA) has officially unveiled Thomas Tuchel as the new permanent head coach of the England senior men’s national team, signing an 18-month contract that formally commences on January 1, 2025, through to the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The 51-year-old UEFA Champions League-winning manager becomes the third non-British coach to lead the Three Lions, following the late Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Tuchel will be assisted by highly respected English coach Anthony Barry, with whom he previously captured European silverware at Chelsea and the Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich.
Speaking at his formal introductory press conference under the Wembley arch on Saturday, Tuchel radiated energy and hunger for the prestigious post: "I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading England. I have long felt a deep connection to the passion of the game in this country, and to have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege. Working with this special, talented group of players is immensely exciting."
Tuchel made his primary mission unequivocally clear: "Our objective is singular and uncompromising: we want to put the second star on the English shirt at the 2026 World Cup. We will build on the extraordinary foundations laid by Gareth Southgate, maintaining the unity of this squad while injecting clinical tactical edge and fearless tournament mentality."
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham praised Tuchel’s pedigree and tournament acumen: "We are thrilled to appoint Thomas Tuchel, one of the finest and most innovative coaches in world football, and Anthony Barry, one of the premier English coaches in the modern game. Thomas stood out as the outstanding candidate in our rigorous recruitment process, possessing the exact strategic clarity and winning pedigree required."
England captain Harry Kane, who thrived under Tuchel’s stewardship in Munich last season, was among the first players to publicly welcome the decision: "Thomas is a tactician of the absolute highest order and a fantastic human being. His passion, detail, and energy will inspire this entire group to reach the pinnacle in 2026."
Tuchel will observe England’s remaining domestic and autumn fixtures from the stands while interim manager Lee Carsley completes the UEFA Nations League window, before Tuchel officially takes full charge of World Cup qualifying preparations.