Tuchel’s Leadership and Future with England’s National Team

omidbasir- Thomas Tuchel, former manager of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, assumed the role of England’s national team manager in January 2025, after agreeing to lead the team a few months prior. His initial contract was relatively short-term, designed to cover the World Cup cycle leading to the 2026 finals.

Under Tuchel’s guidance, the England team has made flawless progress during the qualification phase, establishing themselves as one of the favorites to secure the global title on North American soil. His appointment comes with the expectation of ending 60 years of disappointment for the men’s team in international competitions.

However, questions regarding his future have emerged even before the team’s pursuit of its first trophy. With his current contract set to expire in the summer, speculation about a return to domestic coaching has surfaced. The 52-year-old is reportedly in consideration for the managerial position at Manchester United, who are looking for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim while Michael Carrick holds the interim position.

Tottenham, having recently parted ways with Thomas Frank, is also said to admire Tuchel, as is Real Madrid, who are currently managed by caretaker Alvaro Arbeloa following Xabi Alonso’s departure. Meanwhile, uncertainties continue to surround Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City and whether Luis Enrique will extend his contract with PSG.

The English Football Association (FA) is aware of these rumors and is taking steps to ensure Tuchel’s continued leadership. According to The Times, an agreement has been reached to extend his contract through the “home” Euros in 2028.

Tuchel has expressed satisfaction with his role in international management, stating, “I know from many years in professional and club football what makes me happy and what brings the best out of me. I feel re-energized and I love to work with the players and be close to the Premier League. I also know the level of support and trust I have.”

The FA views retaining one of the world’s elite coaches as a significant achievement, especially given the current landscape of major managerial vacancies in club football. Leading players, including captain Harry Kane and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, have voiced their admiration for Tuchel.

Historically, England has granted contract extensions before World Cup tournaments, as seen with Fabio Capello in 2010. However, Tuchel is viewed as a more suitable candidate for long-term planning.

He will attend the Nations League draw in Brussels on Thursday, where England is placed in Pot Three and will be matched against one of the top seeds—Portugal, France, Spain, or Germany. The competition is set to commence in September, with the finals taking place the following summer.

The Times reports that winning the Nations League is among England’s ambitions, and the desire for Tuchel to remain in charge is a key consideration for the FA. Ultimately, he will be evaluated based on his performance in major tournaments, particularly the World Cup.

England has friendly matches scheduled against Uruguay and Japan in March, followed by fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida before relocating to a training base in Kansas City. Their quest for a global title will begin against Group L opponents Croatia in Dallas on June 17, followed by matches against Ghana in Boston on June 23 and Panama in New Jersey four days later.