1 week ago
40
Thomas Tuchel has signed an extension to his England contract that will keep him in charge of the national team until after Euro 2028.
The fresh deal means Tuchel, who took over in January 2025, will remain manager regardless of England’s fate at the World Cup this summer. He originally signed an 18-month deal but will now be at the helm for a home European Championship in two and a half years’ time.
Tuchel is understood to feel that the chance to manage England at a tournament co-hosted with Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Football Association was keen to ensure continuity before that event and dampen any speculation linking him with plum club jobs.
Tuchel said: “I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup. It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.
“I have had so much support from Mark [Bullingham, the FA’s CEO], all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job. Euro 2028 will be a very special tournament and as a coach there is nothing more you want than to compete with the very best on the biggest possible stage.”
Since replacing Gareth Southgate the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain manager has guided England through a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign in which they won all eight games without conceding. His only defeat has come in a friendly against Senegal last June.
Tuchel’s core support team – Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilário, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne – have also signed new contracts to summer 2028. “By securing them early for 2028, we have taken away the potential distraction of contract renegotiations around the tournament,” Bullingham said.
Bullingham said of Tuchel: “There is simply no better candidate available in world football. With his big-game experience, knowledge and passion, he gives the squad the very best chance for success.”
Tuchel will travel to Brussels on Thursday for the 2006-27 Nations League draw, which takes place after the annual Uefa congress.
