Thomas Tuchel officially announced as next England manager

The FA has officially announced Thomas Tuchel as the next England manager after much speculation overnight that the German had accepted the role.

The Football Association is expected to hold a press conference later today where the Champions League-winning former Chelsea boss will be named as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor.

It emerged on Tuesday the FA had been in advanced talks with the 51-year-old German, who is out of work after leaving Bayern Munich last summer, and negotiations progressed rapidly.

Tuchel has agreed an 18-month contract beginning on January 1st, with Lee Carsley remaining in charge of the Three Lions through to the conclusion of the UEFA Nations League group stage next month, with decisive games away to Greece and at home to Republic of Ireland.

Tuchel becomes the third non-Englishman to hold the post full-time after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

He boasts considerable elite-level experience having led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 and taken charge of Paris St Germain and Bayern. He has also coached Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.

England have been looking for a new permanent manager since Southgate stood down after guiding the side to the Euro 2024 final – the second time he had reached that stage of a major tournament – last summer.

Tuchel 'proud' to be leading England

Thomas Tuchel said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.

“Working closely with Anthony as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud. I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”

Anthony Barry said: “For any Englishman in football, working with the national team is the pinnacle and I didn’t hesitate when Thomas asked me to come and join him again. I know what a great place St. George’s Park is and how much of an advantage it gives our England teams, and the support it gives to coaches.

“This squad is very talented and have done so much to bring the country together, I look forward to meeting and working with them on this exciting project.”

Kane says Tuchel is a 'fantastic coach'

Tuchel will link up again with England captain and Bayern striker Harry Kane.

Kane told Sky Sports News: “I haven’t been told anything. Until it is announced I can’t really comment but obviously I know Thomas well from last year. He is a fantastic coach, a fantastic person.”

The FA made clear at the start of the recruitment process that nationality would not restrict the search to find the best person for the job.

The appointment of a foreign manager will be controversial, however.

Former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, who was a candidate for the post himself over a decade ago, told Sky Sports News: “I’m very patriotic, I think we should have an English manager but obviously the field was very small to choose from.”

Redknapp also has reservations over Tuchel’s record with his spells at some clubs having come to unsatisfactory conclusions.

“He’s lost his job quite quickly at a couple of clubs,” he said.

“It’s not like he’s been a massive success. He’s come and gone at a couple of clubs.”

Where will Euro 2028 be played?

Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.