Thomas Tuchel has signed a deal with the Football Association to become the new England manager, succeeding Gareth Southgate on a permanent basis. The 51-year-old German, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021, will become England’s first German-born manager. Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott have been in discussions with Tuchel since last month. His appointment ends the wait for a permanent head coach following Gareth Southgate’s resignation in the summer. Tuchel’s experience at top-tier clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain, makes him well-suited to handle the intense scrutiny that comes with managing England.

Tuchel’s leadership skills were evident during his time at Chelsea, where he demonstrated honesty and integrity in the face of adversity. His ability to cope with challenging circumstances will serve him well in the high-pressure England role. With his track record of success and experience managing top players, Tuchel is poised to make a significant impact on England’s performance.

Tuchel’s appointment comes at a critical time for England, following a disappointing defeat to Greece. Lee Carsley’s interim tenure ended with questions about his experimental line-up and bold tactics.