Thomas Tuchel has expressed confidence that England can "free ourselves from history" and strive to "make our dream come true" at the 2026 World Cup after his appointment as head coach.
The 51-year-old German was confirmed as the new manager of the Three Lions on Wednesday and will officially take charge on January 1 after signing an 18-month contract. In response to questions about being only the third non-British permanent head coach of the England men's team, Tuchel remarked, "I'm sorry I have a German passport," amid calls for an English candidate.
Tuchel's mission is to guide England to their first major trophy in 60 years at the upcoming World Cup. "Nothing is impossible in sports," he told BBC sports editor Dan Roan. "The federation is there, the women did it, the under-21s did it, so there’s no reason we can’t."
He emphasized the need to "free ourselves from history" and focus on the process, which will begin in January. While initially uncertain about transitioning from club to international football, he expressed enthusiasm for working with "a very special and exciting group of players."
Tuchel previously ruled himself out of the running for the Manchester United position, indicating that the swift and confidential approach from the English Football Association influenced his decision. He replaces Gareth Southgate, who stepped down after eight years following England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Reflecting on the magnitude of the role, Tuchel said, "I understood very quickly that it is a big job... it feels like a privilege." He conveyed his passion for football, stating, "This role has brought my younger self alive and reignited my excitement for such a significant task."
When he officially begins in January, Tuchel will aim to harness the potential of a talented squad, stating, "We have an amazing generation of young and experienced players in the best leagues in the world, so there’s no reason to be afraid." He aims to cultivate a playing style and atmosphere that maximizes performance, emphasizing the importance of luck and qualification to realize their goals.
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