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      Sir Alf Ramsey would be apoplectic to see England managed by a German, but I have some sympathy with the FA

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      WE wanted roast beef and what did we get? Bratwurst, with Black Forest Gateau for dessert.Call me old-fashioned but isn’t international football supposed to be about one nation taking on another, with the players enjoying the ultimate honour of performing for their country?Sir Alf Ramsey led England to World Cup glory two decades after the end of World War 2Credit: PA:Empics SportThomas Tuchel has become England’s third foreign managerCredit: GettyI know the lines have got blurred over the years — under Jack Charlton you were Irish if you liked a drop of Guinness.But Thomas Tuchel’s appointment does really emphasise one glaring statistic… where have all the English managers gone?And while every major nation in Europe has enjoyed some sort of tangible success and even some not-so-major ones such as Denmark and Greece, we continue to look back to 1966 when an English manager last led an English men’s team to a trophy.That’s a bloody long time ago.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSI know we have had foreign-born managers of the England team before — Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello — but they weren’t exactly a rip-roaring success.And now we have a German in charge, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and by any measure is a fantastic manager.We must compromise on romantic notions of an Englishman in charge of an English team.As a result, we have a German bossing the men’s team and Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman holding court for the women’s squad.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhilst they are both fantastic managers, we really should be looking at ourselves and wondering how this has happened?Why can’t we find good England coaches to manage our English teams — and what are we going to do about it?Fabio Capello brutally ended David Beckham’s Real Madrid career with 8-word message that broke England legend’s heartSouthgate 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, 2024Answers please from the FA.Can you imagine what the boys of ’66 would have made of the England side being run by a German?Sir Alf would have been apoplectic. That glorious Wembley day was only two decades after Ramsey’s East End of London had been flattened by the Luftwaffe.But as I said that’s a bloody long time ago, and these days managing England is the so-called ‘impossible job’.Some will accuse the FA of having compromised in order to win by appointing a foreign manager.But I have sympathy for them as the last English-born manager to win the top flight was Howard Wilkinson, back when it was just the plain old First Division.We have five English-born managers currently operating in the Premier League although two of them, Russell Martin and Kieran McKenna, played at international levels for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.It suggests the nursery is thin on the ground.But club football is one thing, the national team is another.And as I’m a romantic at heart, I would much prefer to see our Three Lions led by a lion.But what are the FA meant to do when the pickings are slimmer than our goal tally in a penalty shootout.Tuchel has won some great trophies at a variety of clubs but so had Sven and so had Capello.The latter was a disaster who couldn’t even be bothered to learn English and enjoyed little or no connection with his players, while Sven did passably, reaching a succession of quarter-finals.I suppose we can console ourselves with the fact that Gareth Southgate showed it can be done and although he didn’t lead us to any silverware, at least he got damned close.READ MORE SUN STORIESI wish Tuchel the very best of luck, as every Englishman’s footballing hopes and dreams are on his shoulders, and at some point he will feel the weight of that pressure.He has had four managerial jobs in the last seven years and an England contract which is only 18 months suggests this is not one for the long-term.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. 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      ‘I wasn’t contacted about the England job,’ admits Eddie Howe as he gives verdict on Thomas Tuchel appointment

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      EDDIE HOWE is not angry about being overlooked by the FA for the England job and believes Thomas Tuchel was the “best” foreign candidate available.SunSport revealed there was no contact with Howe, 46, as the FA spoke to 10 different managers.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe confirmed he was never contacted by the FA for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel became the new England manager as he replaced Gareth SouthgateCredit: SplashHowe believes ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is a great England appointmentCredit: AlamyThe Newcastle boss was touted as one of the favourites to take charge of the Three Lions until the FA named the German as their new boss.The decision has been met with mixed reaction, but when asked on what his thoughts are about Tuchel, Howe revealed: “Firstly, speaking about Thomas himself, I’ve got a relationship with him and was lucky and fortunate enough to go and see him work at Chelsea when I was out of work.“What a brilliant guy, great person, great coach. I had two days with him and thought that he was fascinating and I really enjoyed his company.“I really wish him well and think that he’s a great appointment. I hope that he leads England to many trophies.Read More on Football“I have always said, and I’ve been very clear on this going back years and years, my preference would have been for an English coach but if you are going to go foreign then go for the best and I certainly think Thomas is that.”The FA claimed to have interviewed ten candidates, but the Toon chief says he was not one of them and there had been “no contact” from the FA.Howe was the choice of many to lead the Three Lions into the World Cup, and when asked if he was angry that he had not even been approached for talks, Howe replied: “Absolutely not. “The FA have to do what is right for them and only they know the processes and decisions that they have made.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“I’m not the type of person to analyse that and my focus is on Newcastle and trying to win games.“That’s hard enough to do being 100 per cent focused and I’ll always remain that way to my work but know if you drop your levels then your job becomes impossible. I’ve never allowed myself to do that.”Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceHowe is perceived by many to be a future England manager, but does he feel that too?“I don’t visualise that,” he insisted. “I just think about Newcastle and trying to lift a trophy here would be my goal and I’m immersing myself in what I’m in currently. So no other thoughts have entered my head.“So I don’t take on that feeling and just try to do the best I can.”Howe has faced constant questions about the England job, despite stating from the off that he wanted to stay at St James’, and admits there is some relief that the chase for Gareth Southgate’s replacement is over.He said: “There was no-one more pleased than me to see Thomas get the job, really, and take it because it’s just a distraction – not that it distracts me, but you can see it’s unsettling at times when certain things are said and written about.“The more that everyone can focus on Newcastle – which has always been my only concern – the better.”Howe focused on NewcastleEven though it appears FA chiefs overlooked him this time, is it a job that interests him in the future?“Who knows,” responded Howe. “I’ve always said that you can never predict what’s going to happen in management, you can never plan too far ahead. I certainly don’t.“I’m a day-to-day planner, while certainly acknowledging that Newcastle – I’ve always said this – has a future and we have to make sure we make the right decisions long-term. “But the job takes so many twists and turns, you can’t look too far ahead. I think that’s negative, actually, if you do that, so in terms of my own career and what’s five, 10 years ahead, I don’t know, I’ve got no idea.“But I’d never say that managing England isn’t something I’d like to do maybe one day if given the opportunity, but my focus is Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.”Howe was then asked directly if he would have spoken to the FA if they had knocked on his door, to which he replied: ‘Hypothetical questions are very dangerous to answer. England still the pinnacle “Listen, I will talk to anyone who knocks on my front door… but not in the respect of entering conversations about leaving Newcastle.”Everton boss Sean Dyche has stated that the England job is perhaps no longer the pinnacle for English coaches.But Howe feels differently, saying: “I think if you are looking to get into international football and you have got that passion for international football then absolutely yes.“It just depends on your viewpoint. If you look domestically and you love the day-to-day aspect of the job then obviously you’ll have a different answer.“For me, as a kid I loved World Cups, European Championships, I was obsessed with England trying to win something and I really do hope that Thomas can do that for the country.”And Howe, whose side face Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League, refused to be drawn on the credentials of other English coaches that were overlooked, saying: “Yes, of course there were candidates. But I’m not going to critique the FA’s decision. The decision is down to them.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They know a lot more than I do. They will have all the information. I don’t think it’s for me to judge that decision.“But there are people out there who I think are very, very good who are English and they’re available. I’m sure the FA did their work on that and they’ve come to their decision.”Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as 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.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. 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      ‘England is not a dream job’ – Premier League managers react after being snubbed by FA for Thomas Tuchel

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      SEAN DYCHE claims managing England is no longer a job bosses are desperate to land.The Everton chief had no interest in succeeding Gareth Southgate and says “lots of coaches” felt the same.Thomas Tuchel is the new England managerCredit: GettySean Dyche has claimed the England role is no longer a ‘dream job’Credit: ReutersSteve Cooper believes British coaches need to prove themselvesCredit: PADyche confirmed he was not among the ten candidates interviewed by the FA before they appointed Thomas Tuchel and said: “I’m not sure ‘dream’ is the right word for the England job.“It’s a respected job but I don’t think it’s a dream, having spoken to a few England managers  — it’s a massively challenging job and changed over the years.“It’s certainly something that at some point of your career you’d like to have a look at. But it’s certainly not my time now — for lots of coaches.”Tuchel won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup in 18 months at Chelsea.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFA chief executive Mark Bullingham gave the England job to the German — on an 18-month deal worth £7.5million — because he believes there is a lack of elite English coaches.Eddie Howe was not one of those approached because the FA knew that Newcastle would demand huge compensation.Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are the only other English bosses working in the Prem.Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter was on the FA’s shortlist.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDyche, 53, added: “I know most people would have liked an English coach to come in but Tuchel clearly has a record that says he can do it.“Gareth did a fantastic job but there have also been plenty of other very good managers since we won the World Cup in 1966.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as 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.“It’s not disheartening for English coaches like me — and I certainly wasn’t one of the candidates.”England legend Wayne Rooney is “surprised” that Tuchel landed the job.The Plymouth boss, 38, said: “What the FA have built over the last ten to 15 years has been a great platform for young coaches coming through.“So I’m surprised they haven’t gone with one of their own.“He’s a very good coach but I’m surprised the FA have employed him.”Leicester manager Steve Cooper believes British coaches need to stop moaning about not landing the England job until they prove they can compete on a global stage.But the Welshman, 44, does not feel the FA’s coaching pathway is broken.Cooper won the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017, with a squad that included Marc Guehi, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.He said: “Hopefully over the course of time, British coaching will continue to improve and we’ll be right up there with the world’s best.“In the meantime, any opportunity we’re given, we have to take it and do a good job.“Until we do that on a regular basis maybe we shouldn’t say so much.“I really believe in British culture, I believe in the coaching education pathway as well.“The ones I’ve been involved with have been the FA and FA of Wales, and they have been  brilliant courses which have evolved over time.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.“They develop coaches and educate coaches in the right way.“But there’s no doubt the FA have appointed a top coach — and assistant with Anthony Barry — and hopefully they can carry on the progress of the last few years.”Gary Neville, who worked as No 2 to former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson, feels that England are “damaging ourselves” with Tuchel’s appointment and says it leaves “difficult questions for the FA to answer”.Yet his old Manchester United and England team-mate Michael Carrick, now in charge at Middlesbrough, said: “I don’t think that anything has gone wrong.“It would be nice if there were more English coaches at the top level and over time hopefully that will happen. But you’ve got to earn it.”Southampton’s Russell Martin, born in England but a Scotland international, insists “loads of English coaches are capable of doing the job”.He added: “Maybe English managers aren’t given enough credit. Or maybe they are deemed not good enough by the most important people.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s going to cause a lot of interesting discussion,  especially at the FA.“We have a renowned coaching education system that people come from far and wide to do, then we can’t appoint someone from that.”ANDY 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 job More

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      FA never approached Eddie Howe for England job despite interviewing ten different managers

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      MARK BULLINGHAM claimed there is a lack of top-quality English coaches to choose from — yet never approached Eddie Howe.The FA chief executive insists he had to go abroad for a new boss and that Thomas Tuchel was the ideal candidate.The FA did not speak to Eddie Hower for the England jobCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel was the leading candidate for the FACredit: GettyBullingham revealed the FA spoke to ten managers but SunSport understands Newcastle boss Howe was not one of them.He said: “We ran a really clear process. We spoke to approximately ten throughout the process.“Clearly some were more up for the role than others.“We were absolutely delighted to end up with Thomas and we believe he gives us the best chance of winning the World Cup.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlthough Howe was not spoken to, the FA knew that Newcastle would have demanded a large amount of compensation.Another English boss in the running was Graham Potter, out of work since being sacked by Chelsea last year.But Bullingham still believes the pathway for English coaches is clear.He said: “If you look at St George’s Park overall, it has been a really good success.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSANDY 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 job“Our pathway is really strong, both from a coaches and players point of view. There are a lot of fantastic young coaches.”Clearly you would love to have five to ten domestic candidates who are coaching clubs in your domestic league, challenging and winning honours in your domestic league and European football.Thomas Tuchel England Press ConferenceInside 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.“We are not quite in that place at the moment.“As we set out our process, our priority was to find someone that can give our players the best possible chance to win.“We have found that, and we have got Thomas — and we are delighted.”Aside from Howe, only Everton’s Sean Dyche and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil are English Prem bosses but Southampton’s Russell Martin was born in England despite playing for Scotland.Ashley Cole has been appointed as a full-time national coach at the FA.And Lee Carsley returns to lead the Under-21s after his stint as seniors boss ends this year.Bullingham added: “We would love to have more English coaches managing in the Premier League.”Tuchel’s English No 2 at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Anthony Barry, will join the German in the Three Lions dugout.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Bullingham said: “We had a clear recruitment plan in place before the Euros and a shortlist if we needed it.“Thomas was absolutely outstanding, providing a really clear vision for the role and how he would work with our players.” More

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      ‘There are difficult questions for the FA to answer,’ says Gary Neville as Man Utd legend gives Thomas Tuchel verdict

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      GARY NEVILLE believes there are “difficult questions for the FA to answer” after Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as England’s new boss.Tuchel sat down for his first Three Lions press conference after confirming an 18-month deal starting from January.Gary Neville believes Thomas Tuchel’s appointment could be bad news for English coachingThe former Chelsea boss was announced as Gareth Southgate’s successorBut Neville had earlier revealed that it’s the FA who need to answer some questions surrounding the decision not to hire an English coach.The Manchester United legend fears the appointment of German Tuchel as manager will have a damaging impact on coaching in England.Gary Neville told Sky Sports: “I worked under international coaches for England.“I loved playing for England while I was working under Terry Venables, Glenn Hoddle, Steve McClaren, Kevin Keegan… and Sven Goran Eriksson – so I didn’t see any difference in terms of my passion for my country when I played under an international coach.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“But what I have seen over the last 15-20 years is the reputational damage that English coaching has taken. “We are in a rut when it comes to English coaching.“English coaching is one of the least respected big nations in Europe when it comes to taking charge of a football team. “Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese coaches are renowned for their styles of play, for their philosophy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We don’t have a clear identity as an English nation, for what we are anymore. “We haven’t built a style, we haven’t got a coach who’s built a style that’s unique to us and we’ve seen coaches from all around Europe come and input their styles into our game.Reporter apologises to Thomas Tuchel for ‘flippant’ comment in first England press conference “And we’ve copied their styles and we’re trying to copy what they do – without really developing our own style.“I think my view is that we need to build an identity as an English country in terms of what our style of play is and let English coaches flourish, and St George’s Park was set up to do that.“The English philosophy of that time was to build English coaches and to try to get English coaches as high as possible in the world.”And Gareth Southgate, I think, has done a great job – but we’ve chosen to go down a different route, and I think there are some difficult questions for the FA to answer.”Tuchel has already faced the media for the first time in a press conference on Wednesday and jokingly apologised for having a German passport.Asked about was being the country’s third foreign manager after Eriksson and Fabio Capello, he replied: “I am sorry I have a German passport.”But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was also revealed that the FA interviewed 10 managers before appointing the former Premier League boss, who was also targeted by Man Utd in the summer.He was asked about choosing England over United – and almost appeared lost for words as he explained his decision.Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointmentWITH Thomas Tuchel announced as 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. More

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      Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel closing in on England manager job after advanced talks with FA

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      FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION bosses are edging closer to appointing Thomas Tuchel as England’s new boss.The former Chelsea manager is now in advanced talks with the FA over becoming the long-term successor to Gareth Southgate, who quit after Euro 2024.FA chiefs are in talks with Thomas Tuchel’s representativesCredit: PAAlthough a deal has yet to be officially agreed, discussions will continue over the next 24 hours and the FA appear to be hopeful of getting their man.Tuchel, 51, would become the Three Lions’ third overseas boss behind Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.The FA appointing a German might not be a universally popular decision but he has experience of winning trophies – including the 2021 Champions League title with Chelsea.He was sacked last season by Bayern Munich, although he enjoys a good relationship with Harry Kane after signing him from Spurs.Read More in FootballDiscussing Tuchel’s potential appointment, the striker said: “Until it’s announced obviously I can’t really comment, but we have to wait and see.”Obviously, I know Thomas well from last year. Fantastic coach, fantastic person, so I am sure the guys at the FA will contact me, when they know more about it.”A former manager of Dortmund, Tuchel won the Ligue 1 title in France twice with PSG.Lee Carsley was initially appointed as England’s interim manager but he has not been seen as a suitable candidate.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSForgotten 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.Carsley sparked fresh confusion over his future by appearing to rule himself out of contention for the England job  — then back in again just minutes later.He initially claimed the Three Lions deserve a “world-class coach who has won trophies” and that he is “still on the path to that” after England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday.How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheBut then insisted it was “definitely” wrong to assume he does not want the job permanently.The FA also sounded out Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and he remains committed to his club for the time being.Newcastle’s Eddie Howe was also on the list but the FA were worried about the amount of compensation they would have to pay.Aside from attracting interest from the FA, Tuchel has also been a candidate to take over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.England’s next two games in the Nations League, when Tuchel could be in charge, are against Greece and Ireland next month.Thomas Tuchel’s career record2007-2008 – Augsburg II2009-2014 – Mainz 052015-2017 – Borussia Dortmund2018-2020 – Paris Saint-Germain2021-2022 – Chelsea2023-2024 – Bayern MunichTrophies: 1x Champions League1x FIFA Club World Cup1x Bundesliga2x Ligue 11x UEFA Supercup1x German Cup2x French Super Cup More

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      Fans stunned with one team ‘set to host a racecourse’ in sensational FA Cup round one draw blunder

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      FANS spotted a funny mistake after the draw for the first round of the FA Cup was made.Games will take place between November 1-4.The draw for the FA Cup first round has been madeCredit: GettyIt will feature some big teams like Birmingham, Huddersfield and Wrexham, as well as non-league minnows.A total of 44 names were pulled out of the hat for the first round – but one appeared as something else on the FA’s website.The fixtures showed a tie between Hartlepool/Brackley vs Aintree.A correction was later made so the correct team, Braintree Town, was put in place of Aintree.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut not before eagle-eyed fans spotted the mistake, with some joking the game would be held on a racecourse, referencing Aintree’s famous horseracing venue.One fan reacted saying: “Wonder how long it will take for the FA to realise that they’ve currently got the winner of the Hartlepool-Brackley replay hosting a racecourse…”Another added: “To be a fair, a team of players on horses is something I’d pay good money to see.”There is actually a football team called Aintree Villa FC – but it would have been some achievement for the Step 7 team who play in the West Cheshire League to reach this stage.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe FA listed Aintree instead of BraintreeAintree is of course famous for horseracing and hosting the Grand NationalCredit: GettyElsewhere there are some notable ties including AFC Wimbledon’s visit to MK Dons.The two are the bitterest of rivals following the relocation of the original Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes.Roy Keane reveals his pick for next England manager as Man Utd legend says ‘the FA better get busy’ AFC Wimbledon pretty much had to start again and now play in League Two.While League One leaders Birmingham face a trip to non-league side Sutton United.Huddersfield also take on non-league Tamworth.FA Cup first-round drawRotherham vs CheltenhamBarrow vs DoncasterWorthing vs MorecambeBoreham Wood vs Leyton OrientExeter vs BarnetCarlisle vs WiganTamworth vs HuddersfieldHartlepool/Brackley vs BraintreeCurzon Ashton vs MansfieldWycombe vs YorkBradford vs AldershotHednesford/Gateshead vs Gainsborough/BostonBurton vs ScarboroughTranmere vs OldhamRochdale vs BromleyWalsall vs BoltonGrimsby vs WealdstoneBristol Rovers vs Weston-super-MareMK Dons vs AFC WimbledonAltrincham/Solihull Moors vs MaidstoneStockport vs Forest GreenReading vs FleetwoodStevenage vs GuiseleyNorthampton vs KetteringRushall/Peterborough Sports vs AccringtonSwindon vs ColchesterSalford vs ShrewsburyCrewe vs Dagenham & RedbridgePort Vale vs BarnsleyChesham vs LincolnChesterfield vs HorshamSouthend vs CharltonNotts County vs AlfretonTaunton/Maidenhead vs CrawleyHarrogate vs WrexhamWoking vs CambridgeGillingham vs BlackpoolTonbridge Angels vs HarboroughSutton vs BirminghamNewport vs Peterborough More

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      Lee Carsley told he will NOT get the England job as Three Lions target Pep Guardiola to replace Gareth Southgate

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      LEE CARSLEY has been told he will NOT get the England job, SunSport can reveal.The FA are believed to have added Pep Guardiola to the shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate.Pep Guardiola is believed to be one of the front-runners to succeed Gareth SouthgateCredit: RexLee Carsley has been told he will not get the job full-timeCredit: GettyCarsley, 50, is understood to have accepted the FA’s decision without complaint.He agreed to act as caretaker boss for six England games this autumn, during which time he has been repeatedly questioned about his plans.SunSport’s revelation that Carsley had already been told the FA were looking elsewhere explains his seemingly bizarre comments after the Greece defeat that he would “hopefully be going back to the under 21’s.”Carsley has been criticised for failing to offer clarity but has earned the admiration of his FA bosses for attempting to give nothing away and keeping their recruitment plans secret.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe FA have been sounding out potential candidates, including Guardiola, since Southgate resigned in July but have yet to hold formal talks with anyone.Carsley’s willingness to take charge of England’s Nations League campaign this autumn has bought the FA some time.He hinted that he was in agreement with the FA’s plans after Sunday’s 3-1 win in Finland without giving much away.He said: “People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I’m in the middle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”Guardiola, 53, has won 15 trophies in eight years at Manchester City but he is out of contract at the end of the season.England ratings: Angel Gomes is the runaway success of Lee Carsley era but Cole Palmer is anonymousThe FA are hoping they can tempt him to take the England job from the summer onwards.He was coy when asked about his future, saying: “Leaving City? It’s not true, I haven’t decided yet.“And it is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it… I don’t know either, anything can happen.”The FA insist they have a shortlist of candidates, but the recruitment process has been complicated by uncertainty over England’s fixture list.It is not even true that I will be the next England coach. If I had decided I would say it… I don’t know either, anything can happen.Pep GuardiolaFA chief executive Mark Bullingham wants a permanent manager in place for the start of England’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but they do not know if that will be next March or the following September.England will start their World Cup campaign in March if they win their Nations League group, but they are currently three points behind Greece with two games remaining.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf England finish second they will enter the Nations League play-offs and be placed in one of the four-team World Cup qualifiying groups, which does not begin until September.The FA declined to comment.DAVE KIDD: Unless we get Pep Guardiola, it’s back to bedlam after calm of Gareth SouthgateBy Dave KiddIT IS easy to forget, after eight serene years of Gareth Southgate, that the default mode for the England football team, and the FA, is one of utter chaos.After last week’s bewildering, headless-chicken home defeat by Greece and the endless, dizzying ramblings from Lee Carsley about whether or not he wants to be Southgate’s full-time successor, it seems like deja vu all over again.Because this was what following England used to feel like.Before Southgate took over — and the Three Lions became supremely competent and professional on and off the field — it really always was stark, raving bonkers.Under Southgate it could be a little boring, a little too cautious, at times. But England rarely lost football matches, always featured at the sharp end of tournaments and were always a serious, rational set-up.It was never the long-running, hopes-up, trousers-down, clown show we endured for decades until one decent, intelligent man in a waistcoat arrived and decided enough was enough.Southgate banked tens of millions as England boss and we can safely assume that he hasn’t custard-gunned it all on drink, drugs and loose women.He confirmed he wants a sabbatical of at least a year before he returns to coaching.And, therefore, he wouldn’t touch the Manchester United job with a bargepole, despite having significant allies on the Old Trafford board.Southgate is enjoying life away from the madhouse.He’s been seeing the family, walking the dogs, watching the cricket and plans to give a talk at Harvard University.Those sort of Gareth things. And good for him.Some of us knew England would miss Southgate dearly but perhaps we didn’t realise quite how soon, and quite how deeply, we would regret his exit.The FA relied on him to a greater extent than they ever realised.As a statesman, a figurehead, a beacon of good sense and decency, as well as a very useful football manager, who was extremely popular with his players.And whatever happens next — whether more interim Carsley, or Graham Potter, or perhaps the colourful loose-cannon Thomas Tuchel arrives from Germany — history tells us that we will probably go back to bedlam.Pep Guardiola? Now that might be a different, if unlikely, prospect.Because the England manager’s role wasn’t called ‘the impossible job’ without good reason.Remember Sam Allardyce resigning after one match, having been caught out acting exactly like Sam Allardyce, boasting over a pint of wine during a covert sting?Remember the Iceland debacle and, before that, the disastrous Brazil World Cup campaign under Roy Hodgson — which had been pretty much predicted by FA chief executive Greg Dyke performing a throat-slitting gesture when the draw was made?Remember the John Terry fiascos under Fabio Capello — when the Chelsea man was stripped of the captaincy for having allegedly diddled the former girlfriend of the reserve left-back, only to be reinstated as captain.And then to be accused of racially abusing the brother of his central defensive partner and for Capello to resign rather than sack Terry as captain again?That was Capello, who claimed he only needed to know 100 words of English and who agreed to take extra money for rating his own players out of 100 in something on the internet called ‘the Capello Index’ at the 2010 World Cup.Yes, kids, all this actually happened.And before that, Steve McClaren, under an umbrella, failing to qualify for the 2008 Euros.And before him, the late Sven-Goran Eriksson and the peak era of low farce — the fake Sheikh, the Beckham circus, the WAGs table-dancing in Baden-Baden, the Faria Alam scandal which ended with FA chief executive Mark Palios resigning after he and Eriksson had both diddled the same secretary.And that was after Kevin Keegan quit in the Wembley toilets, after Glenn Hoddle had resigned for making bizarre comments about disabled people and reincarnation, having employed faith healer Eileen Drewery to lay hands on his players.And dentist chairs and turnips and gambling cultures and missed drug tests and threatened players’ strikes and so on and so, so farcical.Thirty years of hurt have turned into 60 years because Southgate — despite reaching successive Euros finals and overseeing two very decent World Cup campaigns — couldn’t quite get his hands on a trophy.And now the impossible job feels impossible again.Because this is a nation obsessed with the game.Because this is a nation which — I think we’re still allowed to say — was the birthplace of organised, competitive football.Because this is a nation which is home to the richest and most popular league on the face of the Earth.And because this is a nation which still craves the ultimate glory of a first major international title since 1966.As Southgate (left) has frequently reminded us, the England manager’s job brings a uniquely sharp focus.There are 60 million armchair bosses and, when it’s an international break or a summer tournament, England is the only show in town.Expectations, which had dipped after all those years of nut-casery, are now limitless because Southgate came so close, so often.All of this is surely too big for Carsley. It feels too big for Potter, too.And for Tuchel, or most unsuspecting overseas candidates, all of this lunatic history feels too big to comprehend.So if Guardiola really wants a serious new challenge.And if he is really prepared to take a major pay cut, then he is one of the few men truly capable of being up to the job.If not, it will just be back to bedlam again.If not, we might be missing Southgate for a long time to come. More