England appointing Thomas Tuchel shows as much desperation as inspiration
Subscribe For Miguel Delaney's Free Newsletter!
Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Weekly Newsletter
I’d love to receive emails about promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
When Thomas Tuchel met with the Football Association recently, one key point overshadowed all others: the goal of winning the 2026 World Cup. This ambition was what drew him to the position in the first place and served as the main motivation for the FA.
Clearly, the situation went beyond Lee Carsley's loss to Greece last week, especially since Tuchel had already finalized his contract by that time, which was as early as October 8. The FA did a good job of keeping this information quiet in a somewhat traditional manner. Additionally, Tuchel's interest in the position grew when it became evident that Manchester United wasn't planning to make a change from Erik ten Hag anytime soon.
One could create a story about how the management at Old Trafford has missed out on yet another potentially suitable coach, but there's a bigger picture here. England has undoubtedly sent a clear message with this choice, even if it reflects various aspects of the national football scene.
Bringing in Tuchel is clearly a great achievement. In recent years, the top clubs have usually secured the finest managers, making it challenging for England to find a better option for this role. Jurgen Klopp showed no interest, and Pep Guardiola didn't seem inclined to consider the position either, nor was he likely interested in it.
Tuchel was the next name on the list, and while he might not have the same prestige as some others, he could prove to be the most skilled tactician at the upcoming World Cup. Additionally, he has an engaging personality, which is increasingly significant since the 2026 tournament is projected to be the most financially rewarding in football history, potentially bringing in $11 billion. There are various chances for success beyond just winning the trophy.
There could be benefits to Tuchel's approach compared to Guardiola's as well. Unlike the Manchester City boss, who strictly follows a specific style that might not be as effective without the commitment and pace of club football, Tuchel has shown he can be more flexible. While he identifies with Guardiola's "positional" philosophy, he is open to adjusting his tactics based on the dynamics of each match. This adaptability has been evident in crucial games against Guardiola, particularly during Chelsea's impressive triumph in the 2021 Champions League.
That moment clearly showcased his ability to create a successful strategy for a single match, which is what tournament football is all about. However, it’s important to note that this method may lead to a more dull style of play. But his vibrant personality helps balance that out. It’s worth mentioning that his fiery character could add an intriguing dynamic to the situation. At the very least, he won't be able to challenge the FA regarding player transfers.
He will encounter criticism from various sources regarding his identity as a German. Some opinion pieces are expected to be quite harsh, particularly in light of the recent uproar concerning Carsley and the national anthem.
It's clear that England's historical relationship with Germany shouldn't be part of the conversation, despite some fans chanting "10 German bombers." Such chants belong to the past and should not be revisited. Any debate about this is nonsensical.
One might argue that England's football rivalry with Germany holds slightly more significance, but the difference isn't vast. Tuchel has a fondness for England, which likely influenced his decision to take the position. He is familiar with several players from his time at Chelsea, and he enjoys a strong rapport with captain Harry Kane. These factors certainly work in his favor.
His nationality isn't the main issue here; it's the implications for English football. This reflects the changes that the FA has made over the past ten years to improve the coaching system and transform football culture into one that’s highly respected globally. Other leading nations are excited about these developments, especially the players that Tuchel now has at his disposal.
Yet, the Football Association has taken a step that other countries have not. England is the only nation to have hired a foreign coach after winning the World Cup in recent times, and this marks their third appointment. There are significant discussions to be had regarding the purpose of international football. While some argue this is common practice for smaller nations, that's a valid point. It can be seen as a way to level the playing field against larger teams.
England shouldn't rely on that equalizer, even though it's evident they are in need of a tournament victory.
This sudden change in plans definitely brings a sense of urgency to the appointment. While the FA never explicitly stated that they would only consider English coaches, that's part of the issue. They've invested a lot in developing local talent over the years. Given how nearly successful they've been recently and the lengthy journey to get there, this shift makes a bit more sense.
In addition to this third foreign coach, England's notorious 60-year drought is longer than any other major nation has gone without winning a trophy. It was clear that action needed to be taken.
It aligns with the traditions of English football in another aspect as well. This approach is typical of the Premier League—if you can’t develop the talent internally, just acquire it.
Perhaps it's a relevant point in that regard. It reveals more about English football than anything else.
The argument will also be made that Tuchel has the ability to enhance the skills of coaches like Carsley.
These discussions are bound to continue, not just during the World Cup, but likely even after it's over.
If Tuchel successfully leads the team to victory, the discussions surrounding him will take on a completely different vibe. There's no comparison between the excitement of winning and any other conversation. Ultimately, that's the essence of this hiring.
