Newly appointed manager of England's national football team, Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he sees no reason to change the current captaincy held by Harry Kane.
In a recent statement, Tuchel emphasized his confidence in Kane's leadership abilities and character, stating, "There is at the moment no need to think about change. Harry was always a top captain for England. So why do you even think about it at the moment?"
Tuchel's appointment as England's manager marks a pivotal transition for the team. He succeeds Gareth Southgate, who resigned 92 days prior, and will officially take over from interim head coach Lee Carsley on January 1, 2025.
Tuchel's contract with the Football Association (FA) is set for 18 months, making him only the third non-British permanent manager of the England men's team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
The German coach, aged 51, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed several top clubs across Europe. His coaching journey began after a knee injury forced him to retire from playing at the age of 25. Tuchel's managerial career took off when he led Mainz into the Europa League twice in five seasons. He then went on to manage Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, achieving notable successes along the way.
Tuchel's tenure at Chelsea was particularly impressive, as he guided the team to victory in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Despite his achievements, Tuchel's relationships with club hierarchies have sometimes been strained, leading to his departure from Dortmund, PSG, and Chelsea. Nevertheless, his tactical acumen and passion for the game are widely recognized.
In addition to his coaching prowess, Tuchel is known for his demanding nature, which can be both a strength and a challenge. Former Augsburg youth coach Heiner Schumann described him as "exacting and demanding," qualities that have contributed to his success but have also occasionally caused friction with players and management.
As Tuchel takes on the role of England's manager, he is joined by assistant coach Anthony Barry. Barry, who has worked with Tuchel at Chelsea and Bayern, is highly regarded for his expertise in set-pieces and his ability to deliver high-level presentations on the training pitch. Barry's coaching experience includes stints with Belgium and Portugal at international tournaments, further enhancing the coaching staff's credentials.
One of Tuchel's first tasks as England manager is to prepare the team for upcoming World Cup qualification matches. With Harry Kane continuing as captain, Tuchel aims to build on the team's strengths and foster a cohesive and competitive squad. Kane, who has been England's captain since 2018, has led the team in four major tournaments and remains a key figure in the national setup.
Comments