Thomas Tuchel said England can “free ourselves from history” and work to “make our dream come true” at the 2026 World Cup following his appointment as head coach.
German Tuchel, 51, was confirmed as the next Three Lions boss on Wednesday and will officially take charge on 1 January after signing an 18-month contract.
Tuchel said he is “sorry I have a German passport” when asked about becoming only the third non-British permanent head coach of the England men’s team, after some observers said the job should have gone to an English candidate.
He has been tasked with guiding England’s men to the 2026 World Cup, where they will attempt to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.
“Nothing is impossible in sports,” Tuchel told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.”
The federation is there, the women did it, the under-21s did it, so there is no reason [we can’t].”
At some point we have to free ourselves from history, we have to focus on the process and this will start from January.
“The Champions League winner also explained he was initially unsure about making the switch from club to international football but added he is excited to work with a “very special and exciting group of players”.
In June, Tuchel ruled himself out of the running to take over at Manchester United – it was understood that he met Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in France.
Asked why he chose England over United, he said: “The idea and the way John [McDermott] and Mark [Bullingham] presented it was very fast and confidential. It was very straightforward, it was a decision for this job and not against anything else.”
Tuchel replaces Gareth Southgate, who resigned after eight years in charge following England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July. (BBC)