Thomas Tuchel was among the favourites to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but the German opted to venture into international football with England
Thomas Tuchel speaks to reporters in an England national team press conference at Wembley
Thomas Tuchel has won his first two England games
Thomas Tuchel admitted it was the focus on football that was his reason behind accepting the England job instead of replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Prior to the Dutchman's sacking at Old Trafford last October, Tuchel was among the favourites for the job following the summer talks he had with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Tuchel - who'll lead his side in their World Cup qualifying clash against Andorra on Saturday - opted to ignore United's overtures as he was announced as new manager of the Three Lions less than two weeks before Ten Hag was dismissed.
Despite the interest from the Premier League giants, the ex-Chelsea boss admitted it was an easy decision to make the foray into international football for the first time in his career because of the onus that was placed on football in the presentation he received from England executives.
"The idea and the way John [McDermott] and Mark [Bullingham] presented it was very fast and confidential," he said when asked why he took the role ahead of waiting for United.
"It was very straightforward, it was a decision for this job and not against anything else. They made it clear it's about football and that got me excited," he continued.
"I wasn't sure this was the job for me because the schedule is very different. I always wanted to come back to England, that was my big goal.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag laughs with Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel before the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Bayern München at Old Trafford on December 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The ex-Chelsea boss was among the favourites to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
"The offer came at the right time and we found a vision to share. Now I have to live up to it. I know there are some trophies and I want to help that happen."
Tuchel has won his first two games in charge of the Three Lions, with a 2-0 victory over Albania in March opening his England account before his side secured a comprehensive 3-0 win over Latvia three days later to top Group K.
Having signed an 18-month deal, the contract will see Tuchel lead England out for the 2026 World Cup – providing they get there. And he previously insisted the quality of talent he has at his disposal means there are high standards for his team to live up to.
GIRONA, SPAIN - JUNE 02: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, gives instructions during a training session at the England Men's Senior Team's training base on June 02, 2025 in Girona, Spain (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel became the first foreign England manager since Fabio Capello
"We have players who compete in the strongest leagues in the world day in, day out," he declared. "We will need luck, momentum, luck to not have injuries and so on.
"We feel confident to add something from our experience in club football that can maybe help. We have to prove ourselves all the time. We have to live up to these standards but I'm confident everyone is used to that."
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