Thomas Tuchel will start as England boss on January 1 (Image: Getty)
Thomas Tuchel has vowed to demonstrate he’s the perfect fit for the England manager role when he takes the reins in the new year – and has offered every player a clean slate.
The German has already committed to keeping Harry Kane as captain, praising the Tottenham striker as a “top captain”, and has declared an open door policy for all players.
That signals potential comebacks for stars like on-loan Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho, struggling Manchester United man Marcus Rashford, and Raheem Sterling, on loan at Arsenal, who have recently seen their international roles diminish.
The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach, present at the World Cup qualifying draw in Zurich, addressed the media with confidence, as he stated he harbours “no hard feelings” towards those sceptical of his appointment as Gareth Southgate’s replacement.
He is determined to win over any doubters. “Of course, (the reaction) will always be mixed,” Tuchel said.
“So now I have to prove myself and to the people who are maybe a bit concerned – to prove to them how much it means for me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give everything. And that I’m the man for the job.”
Tuchel had postponed his official start date to allow interim boss Lee Carsley to complete the Nations League campaign, but from January 1, he’ll be at the helm.
Arsenal’s Ben White, out of the England squad since his early departure from the 2022 World Cup, is also in line for a recall.
“I will reach out to him,” Tuchel promised, advocating for a fresh start and a clear narrative moving forward.
Tuchel is eagerly anticipating his first visit to Premier League stadiums come January as the new England boss.
Marcus Rashford may get a fresh start for England (Image: Getty)
He said: “I will be in the stadiums from January. I will also not distract the players and they should just know: ‘Okay, the boss is there from January’.”
The comments came post-draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with England securing a spot in Group K alongside Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra.
Tuchel, who’s been on sabbatical since departing Bayern, was appointed to steer the Three Lions through a one-and-a-half-year contract announced last October. Tuchel shared his excitement about the role – his first at international level: “I feel good.
“I feel full of energy, and I can’t wait to be back on the pitch and be close to the players and feel them, and feel the dressing room. It’s the best (place) you can be.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1988586/England-Thomas-Tuchel-Marcus-Rashford-Jadon-Sancho