Why England fans are so excited about Thomas Tuchel, from fiery touchline antics to love of forgotten Three Lions star
ENGLAND fans are eagerly anticipating the Thomas Tuchel era after he was announced as manager on Wednesday.
The German coach, 51, was unveiled as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor on an 18-month deal.
Thomas Tuchel has been announced as the new England managerPA
Fans are thrilled with the appointment as Gareth Southgate’s replacementEURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)
He will take charge of the Three Lions up to and including the 2026 World Cup, raking in £7.5million over the course of his contract.
England fans will be hoping Tuchel can end the country’s wait for a major men’s trophy – which stretches all the way back to 1966.
Tuchel will be looking to go one step further than Southgate – who reached back-to-back Euros finals but suffered defeats in both.
And SunSport has identified FIVE reasons why England supporters are excited by the former Chelsea boss.
Rashford return?
Tuchel previously spoke glowingly about Marcus Rashford when he was a thorn in his side as Paris Saint-Germain manager.
Rashford, who has not played for England since March, scored winning goals for Manchester United against PSG when Tuchel was head coach of the French giants.
And Tuchel said: “We value him [Rashford] very much when he plays in England.
“Not in Parc des Princes, honestly, because this gets a little bit annoying with him.”
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ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love life
By Andy Dillon
THOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.
Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.
English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.
Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.
Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.
Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.
Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.
An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.
Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England job
Tuchel’s appointment could see the return of Rashford to the England squad and potentially even the starting line-up on the left of the team’s attack.
He remains the last England player to start on the left wing and score.
And fans are excited about the prospect of his recall under Tuchel.
One fan said: “Tuchel to England means United can’t get him but at least Rashford gets his LW spot back.”
While another added: “Tuchel finally gets the chance to manage Rashford I’m genuinely so happy for him, he’s been on his knees to coach Rashford for years.”
Marcus Rashford could earn an England recall under TuchelThe Times
Champions League triumph with Mount, Werner and Havertz
Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea within six months of being appointed at Stamford Bridge in 2021.
He took over from Frank Lampard with the Blues floundering in mid-table in the Premier League.
Yet he guided the club to the Champions League final in Porto and masterminded a 1-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
He also managed the feat with a front three of Mason Mount, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
Now, with a plethora of attacking talent including the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka, England fans will be confident he can lead the team to trophies.
Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea three years agoGetty
Conte bust-up
Tuchel’s infamous clash with Antonio Conte became an instant classic Premier League moment.
The German’s bust-up with the then Tottenham coach came at the end of a fiery 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in 2022.
Tuchel and Conte shook hands but then grappled with one another and had to be pulled apart as they butted heads in an incredible scene.
After the altercation, Tuchel said: “I thought when you shake hands you look into each other’s eyes. Antonio (Conte) had other ideas.”
Tuchel and Antonio Conte squared up to one another two years agoGetty
TUCHEL VS CONTE: ROUND TWO!!! 🤬🤬 pic.twitter.com/XhWuOU4fwD
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 14, 2022
Tournament record
It is safe to say Tuchel is a tournament manager.
He has won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup, and domestic cups in France and Germany.
He reached the final of all five cup competitions during his time at Chelsea – while he also reached the final of the 2020 Champions League final with PSG before losing to Bayern Munich.
As mentioned previously, he also outfoxed Guardiola in the Champions League final three years ago.
Guardiola impression
Speaking of Guardiola, Tuchel does a superb impression of the Spanish manager.
He was once spotted carrying out the impersonation while entertaining the Chelsea squad.
And fans have insisted moments like that make him one of the most likeable managers in football.
One said: “I love him man .”
Another added: “I told you you can’t hate this man .”
While a third replied: “TT lives rent free inside Pep’s head.”
