Thomas Tuchel Has Officially Been On Duty To Train England

JAKARTA - Thomas Tuchel officially serves as coach of the England National Team with a contract of 18 months valid until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Tuchel's appointment as a replacement for Gareth Southgate was confirmed by the English Football Association in October 2024, he began duty on January 1, 2025.

He will be assisted by Anthony Barry who worked with him at Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

The former manager of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain was present in early December 2024 in the 2026 World Cup Qualification draw for the European Zone.

He saw England placed in a group with Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra.

"I have great respect for Serbia and Albania. They can always come as a surprise. They have a strong history in technical football, emotional audiences, and emotional players."

"They have two well-known former players as coaches. So, we have to be very vigilant about that."

"The UK has never played against Latvia. So, this is a new experience for all of us. Of course we will face Andorra, who is a big favorite."

"We have to qualify, this is the most important thing, this is where everyone focuses on it. There is no other approach but to take it seriously, respond with respect, and make it happen before we can make our dreams come true."

"England has players and characteristics to go far. However, now we have to prove it in the qualifying round."

"The gap between big countries continues to narrow, in every tournament you see the same effect that it is getting harder to win matches."

"First of all, we have to show complete respect and ensure we reach our highest level starting March 2025," said Tuchel.

Tuchel's opening match as coach of the Three Lions is home game against Albania and Latvia on March 21 and 24, 2025 at Wembley.

Tuchel has won 11 major awards including the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea, featuring several England international players including Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Mason Mount who are now joining Manchester United.

Tuchel also worked with England captain Harry Kane at Bayern Munich before he left at the end of last season.

He took control of England from interim coach Lee Carsley, who won five of his six games after Southgate's departure.

After seeing Southgate, who led England to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, Carsley said Tuchel could advance well in 2026.

"I think we are in a good position to do that. We have the talent to do that."

"I was lucky to be able to take part in the last few World Cups and the players were in top shape, both physically and mentally, at the right time, and chose the right squad."

"We have all the equipment. We just need to play it on order. We just need to find that balance," said Carsley.

England has not won a World Cup, or any other major trophy since 1966.