Manager Thomas Tuchel has extended his contract with the England national team, enabling him to lead the squad through their campaign for the European Championship in 2028. This extension was officially announced prior to the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League draw, with Tuchel dismissing interest from various European clubs.
Tuchel’s new contract with England lasts until 2028
The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain coach took over as England manager in January 2025 after a drawn-out negotiation process. His initial contract was brief, designed to cover the World Cup cycle.
With England qualifying for the 2026 tournament, they are considered strong contenders for the title on North American soil. Tuchel has already ended a 60-year international trophy drought for the men’s team and is committed to leading them until 2028.
Tuchel linked to various top clubs
Before he was confirmed in his national role, there were speculations about his future. At 52, Tuchel was rumored to be a candidate for Manchester United, who are looking for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, with Michael Carrick currently serving as interim manager.
Tottenham also expressed interest after parting ways with Thomas Frank, and Real Madrid is in a similar situation with interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa. Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the futures of Josep Guardiola at Manchester City and Luis Enrique at PSG.
The English Football Association is aware of these rumors and has taken steps to ensure Tuchel’s permanence, having signed and finalized contracts for the 2028 European Championships.
Tuchel revels in international management
Tuchel expressed his enthusiasm about his new contract, stating, “I’m thrilled and proud to extend my time with England. I have enjoyed every moment working alongside the players and coaches, and I eagerly anticipate leading them to the World Cup. This is an exceptional opportunity, and I’ll do everything to make this country proud.”
He added, “I’ve had immense support from Mark, my colleagues at the FA, and fans everywhere I go; thus, I had no hesitation in committing to this dream job. EURO 2028 is poised to be a remarkable tournament, and as a manager, I want nothing more than to contend against the finest players on the grandest stage.”
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, remarked, “We are thrilled that Thomas has decided to stay with us until Euro 2028. He was the right choice for our World Cup campaign and has only strengthened that reputation through the qualification process. We know the players fully support him and that the unity within the team is evident.”
“No one else in world football can compare to him. His experience, insight, and fervor for the game provide our team with the best chance for success – this summer and in preparation for EURO 2028, which is just around the corner.”
“Thomas, Anthony, and the broader team combine English coaching expertise with international experience perfectly. They are dedicated to achieving outstanding outcomes this summer, and securing his contract for 2028 averts any confusion during potential tournament contract renegotiations.”
Nations League draw and World Cup qualification: England 2026
Tuchel will participate in the Nations League draw in Brussels on Thursday. England is in pot three and will compete against top-seeded teams like Portugal, France, Spain, or Germany. The tournament kicks off in September, with finals to be held the following summer.
According to The Times, one of England’s aspirations is to clinch the championship, and having Tuchel as their manager aligns with that goal in the FA’s strategy. However, he will be “evaluated based on his performance in high-stakes tournaments, particularly the World Cup.” England’s upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March will be pivotal.
They will then take on New Zealand and Costa Rica in pre-World Cup matches in Florida before heading to their practice facility in Kansas City. Their World Cup quest begins on June 17 against Group L rival Croatia in Dallas, followed by matches against Ghana on June 23 in Boston and Panama on June 27 in New Jersey.
Fan Take: This news is significant as it reflects the confidence the Football Association has in Tuchel, an accomplished manager with a proven track record. His continued leadership could catalyze England towards success in upcoming international competitions, making this exciting for soccer enthusiasts as they anticipate the 2028 Euros and beyond.
