Thomas Tuchel says he is focused on making “our dream” of the 2026 World Cup come true after being appointed England manager.
German Tuchel, 51, was confirmed as the next Three Lions manager on Wednesday and will officially take charge on January 1 after signing an 18-month contract.
Tuchel said he is “sorry I have a German passport” in response to becoming only the third non-British permanent manager of the England men’s national team.
The Champions League winner also explained that he was initially unsure about making the switch from club to international football, but added that he is excited to be working with a “really special and exciting group of players”.
Tuchel has been tasked with guiding England to the 2026 World Cup, where they hope to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.
He replaces Gareth Southgate, who resigned after eight years in charge following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July.
“I understood very quickly that it is a big job. I think the job you do is always the biggest job and there is no point in comparing, but it feels big and like a privilege,” Tuchel said at a press conference at Wembley on Wednesday afternoon.
“I think it is quite clear that I am very emotional. I love what I do and I am passionate about football.
“This role brought the young me to life and brought back my teenage years, to get excited about such a big job.
“Everyone can be sure that we will do it with passion and emotion. We will try to install values, principles and rules as quickly as possible to make the dream come true.”
Interim manager Lee Carsley will remain in charge of England’s Nations League matches next month before returning to manage England Under-21s.
Carsley has followed the same journey as Southgate through the Football Association’s development system.
However, it is former Chelsea manager Tuchel – described by FA chief executive Mark Bullingham as “one of the best coaches in the world” – who has been called upon to end England’s long wait for silverware in 2026.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, between 2001 and 2006, and Fabio Capello, from 2008 to 2012, are the only previous non-British permanent England men’s managers.
Addressing critics who believe an Englishman should lead the national team, Tuchel said: “All those supporters may have felt my passion for the English Premier League and the country and how much I love living and working here.
“Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove that I am proud to be an English manager and do everything to show respect for this role and this country and the goal for the next 18 months.”
Tuchel said he would take time to decide whether he will sing the anthem before matches.
He said: “I understand that it is a personal decision. There are managers who sing and some who don’t. I haven’t made my decision yet. Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect for the country and a very moving anthem.”