German boss Thomas Tuchel ‘in negotiations’ over England job amid Man Utd links and is keen to replace Gareth Southgate
THOMAS TUCHEL is in negotiations to become the next England manager, according to reports in Germany.
Tuchel has been without a job since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season but has been strongly linked with replacing under-pressure Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Tuchel, 51, is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Red Devils boss.
And he was spoken about as the preferred candidate for the job, should Ten Hag be axed, during SEVEN-HOUR crunch talks between co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United chiefs on Tuesday.
However, in a bitter blow to Red Devils chiefs as they consider their options, Tuchel could now be set to replace Gareth Southgate instead.
German outlet Bild report the ex-Chelsea boss is in negotiations to become the new manager of the Three Lions.
He would become only the third non-English boss of the national side – and the first German.
Lee Carsley has stepped in as England boss on an interim basis since Southgate’s decision to quit in the wake of the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
But the former midfielder suffered a potentially decisive blow to his aspirations of taking the job on full-time after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday night.
Speaking after the defeat – which followed victories in his first two games in charge – Carsley appeared resigned to not being handed the keys to the senior team for much longer.
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The 50-year-old said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.’
“My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s…
“I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.
“And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”
It is understood the FA are yet to formally interview new candidates for the job.
The governing body insists it is undergoing a robust, ongoing and confidential process to appoint Southgate’s successor.
Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been linked with the role.
Southgate vs Tuchel records compared
THOMAS TUCHEL
Augsburg II 2007-2008
P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%
Mainz 05 2009-2014
P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%
Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017
P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%
Honours: DFB Pokal
Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020
P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%
Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2
Chelsea 2021-2022
P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%
Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup
Bayern Munich 2023-2024
P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%
Honours: Bundesliga
GARETH SOUTHGATE
Middlesbrough 2006-2009
P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%
England U21 2013-2016
P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%
Honours: Toulon tournament
England 2016-Present
P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was said to be top of their wish list for next summer.
Tuchel has previously admitted he was open to the idea of international management.
Speaking in 2022, he said: “Yeah, why not? I would, I would. I did not give too much thought to it until now.
“But I would consider if it is the right team and if it has the potential to win trophies like the World Cup and the Euros.”
Asked specifically about England, who then had Southgate in charge, he said: “I see where you are going. But I think England has a good coach right now.
“The team is very strong and very talented… as for everything else, I will not comment.”
England's job advert for new boss
The FA's seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:
- Will hold a Uefa Pro License.
- Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.
- Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.
- Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.
- Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.
- Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.
- Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation.