Thomas Tuchel’s path to becoming the long-term manager of the England national team hinges on a significant achievement: winning the World Cup next summer.
Tuchel’s current contract, initiated in January, extends through the end of the 2026 World Cup finals. Any potential extension will likely be contingent on the England men’s team securing their first major trophy since 1966, or demonstrating an impressive performance in the tournament.
Regarded as a strategic hire, Tuchel is expected to lead the team to a major tournament victory—a goal that Gareth Southgate had nearly attained during his tenure.
Unlike Southgate, who served as both a figurehead and ambassador for English football throughout his eight-year tenure, Tuchel’s sole focus is on achieving success with the senior squad to secure the World Cup title.
The FA’s foremost objective in its 2024-28 strategy is to clinch another senior international tournament, building on the success of the women’s team at Euro 2022.
Under Southgate’s leadership, England reached consecutive finals at the Euros in 2021 and 2024, alongside a World Cup semi-final appearance in 2018. It is reported that Southgate has not attended any fixtures since resigning as England manager eight months ago.
Tuchel, who officially began his role at the start of the year, was also present at the World Cup qualifying draw at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on December 13. As he prepares to announce his first England squad on Friday, Tuchel has been residing in London, with offices located at Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed confidence in Tuchel’s two-year contractual framework. Tuchel himself articulated during his introductory press conference that his ambitious target is to win the World Cup and place a second star on England’s shirt, adding to his impressive resume that includes three league titles and a Champions League victory as a manager.
