‘Like I’ve never seen before’ – Thomas Tuchel’s ‘aura’ blowing England stars away as new era begins
THOMAS TUCHEL has an “aura” unlike anything Morgan Rogers has seen in a manager.
Aston Villa star Rogers revealed England’s new boss has laid down “some serious ideas” in his bid to win the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel will kick off the Three Lions’ new era on Friday with a World Cup qualifier against Albania at a sold-out Wembley.
Rogers is managed by Unai Emery at Villa and worked under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
But he said of Tuchel: “His aura is one I’ve not experienced before. Certain managers have different ways about them. It is hard to describe but he has such a level of confidence.
“He has been so chilled and calm. But when it is time to work, it is time to work. That is the vibe I have got off him.
“You know what he has done in the game and the respect he has got from managers and players he has worked with. You know he is coming in with some serious ideas.”
Ex-Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel, 51, laid out his plans to win next year’s World Cup at his first team meeting at St George’s Park.
Rogers, who won two England caps under interim boss Lee Carsley, added: “That’s the only goal. He was very clear and transparent with what we need to improve. It was very straight-up, no cutting corners.
“It’s definitely been taken on board and a first message to carry us on and lead us on through the camps.”
Rogers and the Three Lions squad will prepare at Tottenham’s training ground on Thursday ahead of the Albania game, with a clash at home to Latvia following on Monday.
The attacking midfielder, 22, discovered he was in the squad when waking up to a text early on Friday before training with Villa.
The human tuch
ENGLAND'S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad - to mixed reaction.
Tuchel, 51, made a couple of curve-ball selections, including a recall for Jordan Henderson that has sparked fan outrage.
Dave Kidd explains why Henderson’s return signposts how Tuchel plans to win the World Cup.
And we have a go at working at how his England XI could line up against Albania at Wembley.
And he is fully prepared for Tuchel’s standards due to the high bar Emery sets.
He said: “There’s never a moment’s rest. When you least expect it, Unai will catch you out, telling you about yourself.
“I can think of the best games I’ve had and he’ll batter me for one little thing I did in the 20th minute. But once you understand why he’s doing it, you take it on board.”
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.