ENGLAND take on Greece and the Republic of Ireland in a blockbuster Nations League double-header this month.
The Three Lions begin with a trip to Athens on Thursday night, seeking revenge against Ivan Jovanovic’s side.
England were on the end of a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece when the two teams met at Wembley back in October.
A 94th-minute winner from Vagelis Pavlidis secured all three points for the Greeks and continued his side’s perfect record in the competition.
The Three Lions will finish their November international break by hosting rivals Republic of Ireland in their Nations League group finale on Sunday evening.
But why is new England boss Thomas Tuchel not in the dugout for the huge double-header?
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Why is Thomas Tuchel not managing England yet?
Thomas Tuchel will not be in the dugout for England’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland as he doesn’t start his new post until next year.
The German officially begins his tenure as Three Lions gaffer on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Tuchel penned an 18-month contract, which expires after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham was asked about the delayed start to the Tuchel-era during the German’s unveiling, he said: “When we first spoke to him, we had our timescale, Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well. What was so impressive was his singular focus on us and the World Cup and that project.
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“It made sense for it to start on January 1 and made sense for Lee to finish the campaign in the Nations League. So we’re very comfortable where we are and that’s what we’ll be doing.”
Since the former Chelsea boss doesn’t start until the new year, interim manager Lee Carsley will take charge of the Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland.
The 50-year-old will return to his former post as under-21s head coach after November’s double-header.
Tuchel’s first game in charge of England will come during the March international break, but it is not yet known who the opposition will be.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
