Tuchel: A Compromise on Principle or the Right Choice for England?

The Football Association’s decision to appoint Thomas Tuchel as England's new coach will likely be seen by many as a betrayal of the established pathway from St George’s Park and a slight against home-grown managerial talent.

Tuchel, a German, takes over from Gareth Southgate, who spent eight years in the role after three years coaching the under-21 team, following interim coach Lee Carsley, who also progressed through the FA’s development system.

This appointment marks a significant departure from the FA’s “DNA” philosophy introduced a decade ago by Dan Ashworth, aimed at creating a unified vision for all England teams.

After England's second consecutive loss in the European Championship final this summer, the pressure for change grew, as the men's team has not won a trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Tuchel's appointment may be viewed by traditionalists as sacrificing principles for immediate results ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

While some might draw parallels to the tenures of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello—both of whom came from outside the English coaching structure without yielding success—others will argue that Tuchel’s track record makes him the right choice. 

England's women's team celebrated success under Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, showing that nationality shouldn’t overshadow talent when it comes to coaching.

The FA faces scrutiny regarding the message this sends to English coaches, especially with former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter and Eddie Howe, currently at Newcastle, available.

Despite concerns, the FA argues it has appointed the best available candidate, given that top choices like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp were unattainable. The crucial question remains: Did the FA want an English coach, or did they want the coach who can make England winners? The answer is Tuchel.

While the FA deserves credit for this bold decision, CEO Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott will be prepared for both praise and criticism.

Having someone of Tuchel’s caliber could benefit the development of coaches at St George’s Park, as he is not only a renowned figure but also an Anglophile, having developed a fondness for English football during his time at Chelsea, where he achieved significant success before his dismissal.

Tuchel’s history includes leading Paris St-Germain to a Champions League final and winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, demonstrating his ability to succeed at the highest levels of football.

Unlike his predecessors, Tuchel has recent, direct experience with English football and understands the players he will manage.

His appointment will be contentious, but few can dispute that he is one of the great modern coaches.

In terms of personality, Southgate was known for his diplomatic approach, while Tuchel is a fiery character, known for challenging authority and demanding high standards from his players. He has a reputation for being intense and occasionally difficult to manage, as seen in past conflicts with club executives.

However, Tuchel also showed charm and tact during his time at Chelsea, particularly in challenging situations, gaining respect from fans for his achievements.

In his new role, Tuchel can focus on coaching without the distractions of club politics, aligning with the FA’s aim to break away from tradition in pursuit of success.

If Tuchel can deliver results, the FA will feel justified in their controversial decision.