Laura Woods ‘absolutely buzzing’ at Thomas Tuchel appointment as TNT Sports host hails ‘charming’ new England manager
LAURA WOODS is buzzing with England’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel.
The former Chelsea boss has been named Gareth Southgate‘s permanent successor on an 18-month contract.
He will take charge from January and will oversee England‘s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign and then the finals if the Three Lions qualify.
Woods is delighted by Tuchel’s appointment as she believes he is a winner who will bring passion and charm to the role.
She told BetMGM: “I am absolutely buzzing that Tuchel has taken the England job; he is a winner through and through.
“I was a massive fan of his when he was at Chelsea and really liked him at Bayern Munich despite it being a bit rocky for him there.
“He gets the fans onside and he works the media pretty well too. In the past when I’ve interviewed him I’ve always thought he was quite charming. He brings a bit of humour to stale environments. He is exciting, slightly unpredictable and eccentric.
“I really enjoy big characters as managers and I think he’ll garner respect from that group immediately.
“More importantly he knows those players, a few of them personally, and he knows English football. He has international respect. It’s a great appointment.”
Tuchel’s arrival has not been universally accepted however with some criticising the appointment of a German – the first to manage England.
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Inside FA's thrilling chase for Tuchel
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel's signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.
He was asked about becoming the third foreign boss to be hired England manager after Sven Goran-Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Tuchel said: “I am sorry I have a German passport!
“But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.
“Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be the English manager.”
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