Thomas Tuchel, the former manager of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, has expressed his interest in taking over as England manager should Gareth Southgate step down.
Despite Southgate’s current contract with the FA expiring in December this year, uncertainty surrounds his future after his comments following England’s defeat in the Euro final.
Thomas Tuchel was previously open to succeeding Southgate after the 2022 World Cup, but the FA opted to extend Southgate’s contract instead.
Now, with Southgate’s future in doubt, Thomas Tuchel has once again emerged as a potential candidate.
During a live TV interview, Southgate referred to England’s squad as “they,” further fueling speculation about his commitment to staying on as manager.
This unusual choice of words has led many to believe that Southgate may be considering stepping down sooner rather than later.
The FA remains keen for Southgate to extend his contract once more.
However, Southgate’s ambiguous remarks, including, “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now,” and his refusal to comment on his immediate future, have left room for doubt.
These comments have sparked widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike, with many debating whether Southgate’s time with the national team is coming to an end.
Thomas Tuchel, who managed Bayern Munich from March 2023 until the end of the season, remains one of the highest-profile managers linked with the England job.
Thomas Tuchel was dismissed in February but continued to lead Bayern Munich until the summer.
Known for his impressive track record, Thomas Tuchel has won the Champions League, the Bundesliga, and the French league title, among other honors.
His experience and success at the highest levels of club football make him a strong contender for the England job, should it become available.
Although there has been no formal contact between the FA and Thomas Tuchel, sources indicate that the German manager is keen on the role.
Currently, Graham Potter is the bookmakers’ favorite to succeed Southgate, with Thomas Tuchel considered a 33/1 outsider.
The FA is also interested in Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, though Newcastle would be reluctant to lose their boss.
Howe has done an exceptional job with Newcastle, transforming the team into a competitive force in the Premier League, which makes him an attractive candidate for the FA.
Another potential candidate is Mauricio Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea by mutual consent and has previously been admired by the FA.
Pochettino’s style of play and his ability to develop young talent have long been appreciated by those at the top of English football.
His availability could make him a serious contender if Southgate decides to step down.
Under-21s coach Lee Carsley is also a contender, potentially following in Southgate’s footsteps by stepping up from the youth teams to the senior squad.
Carsley has done an excellent job with the Under-21s, and his familiarity with the FA’s structure and philosophy could make for a smooth transition.
As the FA deliberates on the future leadership of the England national team, Tuchel’s interest adds an intriguing twist to the ongoing saga.
With Southgate’s future uncertain and several high-profile managers expressing interest in the role, the FA faces a crucial decision.
The choice of the next England manager will be pivotal in determining the national team’s success in upcoming tournaments, including the next World Cup and the Euros.
The situation is further complicated by the strong support Southgate still enjoys among many fans and players.
His tenure has seen England reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, achievements that had eluded the team for decades.
Southgate’s leadership has been instrumental in developing a new generation of English talent, and his departure would undoubtedly mark the end of an era.
However, the allure of fresh ideas and a new approach, as offered by managers like Thomas Tuchel, Potter, and Pochettino, is compelling.
The FA’s decision will need to balance continuity with the potential benefits of change.
As the football world watches closely, the next few months promise to be a critical period for the future of the England national team.
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