Tuchel informed what he should be taught from Southgate after divisive England appointment

Stuart Pearce insists Thomas Tuchel must embrace the broader fabric of the national game if he is to be a successful England manager.

German Tuchel, 51, was unveiled as Gareth Southgate’s successor at Wembley earlier this week. That appointment divided opinion and while Pearce admits he would rather see an English boss at the wheel, the Three Lions legend is willing to get behind the Champions League-winning former Chelsea chief.

Southgate showed a visible interest in the development of England’s youth teams and nurturing the next generation of talent at St. George’s Park. Pearce, who managed England’s Under-21s for six years between 2007 and 2013, hopes Tuchel does the same and does not lose sight of the bigger picture that blossomed under Southgate since 2016.

“The one thing I would say is I hope he takes a real interest in all the age groups – and everything the FA are trying to put in place to develop the next generation of coaches,” said Pearce, speaking as an ambassador of Pitching In around their Volunteer of the Season Award.

“That is all vitally important for our figurehead of our national game. In certain quarters I understand that people will be disappointed that they’ve gone outside of England.

“I’m not dead set against a foreign manager – I’d prefer an English manager but he’s got an incredible CV. We’ve got to get behind him in the hope that he’s prepared to support all rungs of the national team, coaches and help develop the next generation of coaches too.

“Gareth really cared about what he did with the senior team, but beyond that he took a real interest in the youth teams and everything that is in England. I think it’s so important to show your face all over and take a real interest – and not just do it because it says it in your contract, do it because you’ve got a real interest.”

Tuchel has enjoyed a decorated managerial career and boasts a proven track record when it comes to knockout football. He steered Chelsea to Champions League glory with a tactical masterclass over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2021 the year after taking Paris Saint-Germain to their first ever final.

Tuchel has fond memories of his time at Chelsea and as a self-proclaimed Anglophile, insisted he will do everything he can to add ‘another star to our shirt’ in a message to fans on Wednesday. Pearce believes that experience bodes well and is urging the nation to support him as he embarks on his quest to banish 60 years of hurt at the 2026 World Cup.

“The good thing about Thomas Tuchel is that I think he really enjoys English football and he’s really enjoyed his time over here,” he added. “He’s got half a buy in already, but the importance of the whole setup and interests of the national coach is so important.

“I think we should get behind him, particularly from my perspective as part of the media, and it’s really important we do that.”

Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://www.entaingroup.com/sustainability-esg/entain-foundation/pitching-in/ and to find volunteering opportunities near you, see: pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk