Thomas Tuchel has signed a deal to become the new England manager.
The German, 51, will permanently replace Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss who stepped down in the summer after the heartbreaking Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
The former Chelsea boss is the first non-English manager to take on the role since Fabio Capello’s ill-fated spell in charge came to an end in 2012, and the third overall.
The FA sounded out a number of candidates, including Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe, over the position as England boss, which is currently Lee Carsley‘s on an interim basis.
However, talks between Tuchel and the FA accelerated rapidly earlier today.
Thomas Tuchel, 51, has signed a deal to become the next England manager and is the first non-English boss of the men’s national side since 2012
The German has an impressive CV having previously won the Champions League while manager of Chelsea
The FA have been aware of interest in Tuchel from Manchester United as they consider Erik ten Hag‘s position.
Tuchel has an impressive CV having won league titles with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, as well as the Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup at Chelsea.
But it will no doubt be seen as a controversial move by the FA due to England’s rivalry with his native Germany.
Losing to Brentford this weekend could have implications for Ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford, with Tuchel expected to be a candidate for the United job if the Dutchman is sacked.
But the FA have moved quickly for Tuchel, who emerged as the front-runner for the England job due to his track record of winning titles, which appeals to the FA.
The fact Tuchel knows English football from his time with Chelsea, and worked with captain Harry Kane at Bayern Munich is an obvious bonus.
It is understood he is effectively on gardening leave after leaving his previous job with Bayern which could cause financial implications for the FA, but nothing to derail the deal.
Tuchel wants to return to work and viewed the England job as an attractive proposition. The FA declined to comment last night.
It remains to be seen if Carsley remains in interim charge for the November fixtures versus Greece and Republic of Ireland.
Mail Sport reported on Saturday night that the FA held major reservations over whether Carsley wants the position on a permanent basis.
The governing body wanted to review the situation following November’s Nations League matches versus Greece and Ireland.
But there has been internal doubts in recent days over whether Carsley’s appetite for the role following a series of public comments that have been construed as the 50-year-old distancing himself from the full-time vacancy.
Carsley had support at the FA but the sense that he was not fully convinced about taking the permanent reins has led the FA to virtually rule the former Everton midfielder out of the running and move towards making Tuchel their new boss.
Guardiola has been viewed as the governing body’s dream candidate but the FA have not received any encouragement from the current Manchester City boss since an initial approach in July.