FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION bosses are edging closer to appointing Thomas Tuchel as England’s new boss.
The former Chelsea manager is now in advanced talks with the FA over becoming the long-term successor to Gareth Southgate, who quit after Euro 2024.
Although a deal has yet to be officially agreed, discussions will continue over the next 24 hours and the FA appear to be hopeful of getting their man.
Tuchel, 51, would become the Three Lions’ third overseas boss behind Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
The FA appointing a German might not be a universally popular decision but he has experience of winning trophies – including the 2021 Champions League title with Chelsea.
He was sacked last season by Bayern Munich, although he enjoys a good relationship with Harry Kane after signing him from Spurs.
Discussing Tuchel’s potential appointment, the striker said: “Until it’s announced obviously I can’t really comment, but we have to wait and see.
“Obviously, I know Thomas well from last year. Fantastic coach, fantastic person, so I am sure the guys at the FA will contact me, when they know more about it.”
A former manager of Dortmund, Tuchel won the Ligue 1 title in France twice with PSG.
Lee Carsley was initially appointed as England’s interim manager but he has not been seen as a suitable candidate.
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WITH Thomas Tuchel in the frame to be the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.
That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.
The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.
RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.
Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.
The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.
Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.
Carsley sparked fresh confusion over his future by appearing to rule himself out of contention for the England job — then back in again just minutes later.
He initially claimed the Three Lions deserve a “world-class coach who has won trophies” and that he is “still on the path to that” after England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday.
But then insisted it was “definitely” wrong to assume he does not want the job permanently.
The FA also sounded out Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and he remains committed to his club for the time being.
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe was also on the list but the FA were worried about the amount of compensation they would have to pay.
Aside from attracting interest from the FA, Tuchel has also been a candidate to take over from Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
England’s next two games in the Nations League, when Tuchel could be in charge, are against Greece and Ireland next month.
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