Soccer

ENGLAND fans are eagerly anticipating the Thomas Tuchel era after he was announced as manager on Wednesday.The German coach, 51, was unveiled as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor on an 18-month deal.Thomas Tuchel has been announced as the new England managerCredit: PAFans are thrilled with the appointment as Gareth Southgate’s replacementCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)He will take charge of the Three Lions up to and including the 2026 World Cup, raking in £7.5million over the course of his contract.England fans will be hoping Tuchel can end the country’s wait for a major men’s trophy – which stretches all the way back to 1966.Tuchel will be looking to go one step further than Southgate – who reached back-to-back Euros finals but suffered defeats in both.And SunSport has identified FIVE reasons why England supporters are excited by the former Chelsea boss.READ MORE ON ENGLANDRashford return?Tuchel previously spoke glowingly about Marcus Rashford when he was a thorn in his side as Paris Saint-Germain manager.Rashford, who has not played for England since March, scored winning goals for Manchester United against PSG when Tuchel was head coach of the French giants.And Tuchel said: “We value him [Rashford] very much when he plays in England.”Not in Parc des Princes, honestly, because this gets a little bit annoying with him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobTuchel’s appointment could see the return of Rashford to the England squad and potentially even the starting line-up on the left of the team’s attack.He remains the last England player to start on the left wing and score.Thomas Tuchel ‘AGREES to become England manager with ex-Chelsea boss expected to be hired THIS WEEK’And fans are excited about the prospect of his recall under Tuchel.One fan said: “Tuchel to England means United can’t get him but at least Rashford gets his LW spot back.”While another added: “Tuchel finally gets the chance to manage Rashford I’m genuinely so happy for him, he’s been on his knees to coach Rashford for years.”Marcus Rashford could earn an England recall under TuchelCredit: The TimesChampions League triumph with Mount, Werner and HavertzTuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea within six months of being appointed at Stamford Bridge in 2021.He took over from Frank Lampard with the Blues floundering in mid-table in the Premier League.Yet he guided the club to the Champions League final in Porto and masterminded a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.He also managed the feat with a front three of Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.Now, with a plethora of attacking talent including the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka, England fans will be confident he can lead the team to trophies.Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea three years agoCredit: GettyConte bust-upTuchel’s infamous clash with Antonio Conte became an instant classic Premier League moment.The German’s bust-up with the then Tottenham coach came at the end of a fiery 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in 2022.Tuchel and Conte shook hands but then grappled with one another and had to be pulled apart as they butted heads in an incredible scene.After the altercation, Tuchel said: “I thought when you shake hands you look into each other’s eyes. Antonio (Conte) had other ideas.”Tuchel and Antonio Conte squared up to one another two years agoCredit: GettyTournament recordIt is safe to say Tuchel is a tournament manager.He has won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup, and domestic cups in France and Germany.He reached the final of all five cup competitions during his time at Chelsea – while he also reached the final of the 2020 Champions League final with PSG before losing to Bayern Munich.As mentioned previously, he also outfoxed Guardiola in the Champions League final three years ago.Guardiola impressionSpeaking of Guardiola, Tuchel does a superb impression of the Spanish manager.He was once spotted carrying out the impersonation while entertaining the Chelsea squad.And fans have insisted moments like that make him one of the most likeable managers in football.One said: “I love him man 😭.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “I told you you can’t hate this man 😂😂😂.”While a third replied: “TT lives rent free inside Pep’s head.”Thomas Tuchel has had plenty of highlights at Chelsea but this impression of Pep Guardiola ahead of the UCL final has to be the best More

THOMAS TUCHEL dropped a hint that he would be willing to take on the England job during an interview nine months ago.The German, 51, has signed an 18-month contract worth a total of £7.5million to be Three Lions boss.Thomas Tuchel spoke about his affinity with English football nine months agoCredit: ESPNTuchel, 51, managed Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022Credit: PAHaving been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, Tuchel will officially begin work at St George’s Park on January 1.The former Chelsea boss will be assisted by former Blues No2 Anthony Barry and will take England to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.Despite being axed at Stamford Bridge in September 2022, Tuchel has retained an affinity for English football.And during an interview with ESPN earlier this year, he admitted that he felt “more appreciated” in England than in his native Germany.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Yes, I feel that we are very critical with each other in Germany and especially with players or coaches and not only with me.”It’s very hard to escape a certain drawer once you’re in the drawer.”There is a picture and this picture is basically the picture for years and years.”I felt more appreciation in England, yes, it’s just a fact, I’m not complaining.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTuchel will become the Three Lions’ third men’s team manager from overseas, following Fabio Capello and the late Sven-Goran Eriksson.Upon being announced as boss this morning, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund coach again admitted his love of the English game.Thomas Tuchel ‘AGREES to become England manager with ex-Chelsea boss expected to be hired THIS WEEK’He 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 (Bullingham) and John (McDermott), for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”The FA revealed that Tuchel penned his contract in secret on October 8, with the deal kept under wraps so as not to serve as a distraction as Lee Carsley led the Three Lions in Nations League matches against Greece and Finland.Tuchel will oversee his first matches in charge next March, although the opponents are yet to be determined.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.The new England boss worked in the Premier League with Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022.During that time he won 60 of his 100 games in charge in all competitions, drawing 24 and losing 16.His side won the Champions League in Porto in May 2021, defeating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.During his only full season in English football, the Blues came third in the Premier League, while also losing in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals.They won the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup and were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESTowards the end of the campaign, Chelsea faced huge uncertainty at board level, as Roman Abramovich’s assets were frozen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Todd Boehly’s Clearlake takeover was eventually completed, with the American opting to sack Tuchel following an underwhelming start to the 2022-23 season and a breakdown in their relationship, replacing him with Graham Potter.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel in the frame to be the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel. 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THOMAS TUCHEL has been announced as the new England manager.The German was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor with a tweet on England’s official X account on Wednesday morning.Thomas Tuchel was announced as England’s new manager on WednesdayCredit: APHe has signed an 18-month deal to take him up to the 2026 World CupCredit: GettyTuchel replaces Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions’ permanent head coachCredit: ReutersTuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021Credit: GettyTuchel gave a message to the fans from Wembley ahead of his press conferenceCredit: @EnglandMoments before the announcement, they also shared a video of an England cap – teasing Tuchel as he is famous for always wearing a hat on the touchline.Lee Carsley will remain at the helm for England’s final two Nations League games against Greece and Ireland next month.Tuchel, who signed his contract on October 8 before the games against Greece and Finland, will then take over in January.England’s X bio reads: “The Thomas Tuchel era begins in January.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTuchel, who has signed an 18-month deal worth £5million per year, will be at the helm for England’s World Cup qualification campaign.The 51-year-old will become England’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.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.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobAll of Tuchel’s trophies as a manager”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 [Barry] as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud.Inside Thomas Tuchel’s crazy lifeWho has Tuchel coached?Here is a list of the England stars that have already worked with Thomas Tuchel…Harry Kane – Bayern MunichEric Dier – Bayern MunichMason Mount – ChelseaReece James – ChelseaBen Chilwell – ChelseaCallum Hudson-Odoi – ChelseaRuben Loftus-Cheek – ChelseaRaheem Sterling – ChelseaRoss Barkley – ChelseaTammy Abraham – ChelseaConor Gallagher – Chelsea”I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together.”He also shared a video short message on social media from Wembley as he admitted to being “nervous” about speaking to the England fans.Tuchel has previously coached some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.He has been out of work since leaving Bayern at the end of last season.During his time in England with Chelsea, Tuchel led the Blues to Champions League glory in 2021, beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the final in Porto.The German wasn’t the first choice of the FA.They reportedly made overtures to secure the services of Guardiola BEFORE the start of the season.SunSport understands the out-of-work Graham Potter and current Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe were also on the FA’s shortlist.Inside FA’s thrilling chase for TuchelTHE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel’s signature was not a straightforward one.They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, former England striker and Match of the Day host Gary Lineker also revealed they made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.He said: “It’s confirmed apparently that they did reach out in the summer to Pep Guardiola.”And also I understand that they spoke to Carlo Ancelotti.”But their pursuit of those two elite coaches failed to yield results, which then saw them turn to the vastly experienced Tuchel.Carsley was also in contention to land the gig but a shock defeat to Greece seemingly saw the FA move on.Tuchel was on course to return to management in England’s top flight before agreeing to take charge of the national team.Manchester United held talks with the veteran manager in the summer about replacing the under-pressure Erik ten Hag.However, the Red Devils decided to stick by their current manager, allowing Tuchel to move on and take the England job.Tuchel will likely base himself in London once he officially takes charge of the Three Lions.He will be joined by his long-term girlfriend Natalie Guerriero Max, 37.The loved-up pair have been dating since the summer of 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel found love with the Brazilian following his separation from his ex-wife, Sissi.The pair, who were with one another for 13 years, have two children together.Tuchel will be joined in England by girlfriend Natalie MaxCredit: RexSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024 More