Thomas Tuchel: His dream of a second star for England

Thomas Tuchel (51) was presented as the new coach of the English national team in the afternoon. The expectations of English fans are high – especially as many of them would have liked a home coach. But Tuchel knows their desires and promises to do everything for the long-awaited second World Cup star on the England jersey. He can’t just be sure of support. Even an eternal enemy has surprising words of praise about him.

First German to be English national coach

Thomas Tuchel’s big adventure begins in January 2025. As the first German coach in the history of the Three Lions, his mission is to win the title at the 2026 World Cup – nothing more and nothing less. Tuchel said at the English association’s press conference that he felt “excited and honored” that day. And he sets himself the highest goal that needs to be achieved in football: “We will try to get the second star for the England jersey. We want to fulfill our dream in the USA.” The 2026 World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The final will take place on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Pele quote brings back childhood dreams

Tuchel says “our dream” and has already fully identified with the goals of his new employer and his expectant fans. He emphasizes how much he still has in common with England after he somewhat surprisingly won the Champions League with Chelsea FC in the summer of 2021 against Pep Guardiola’s (53) favorite Manchester City team. However, it is also true that Tuchel was quietly dismissed in London a year later. Nevertheless, Tuchel raved highly about English football and its sacred venue, Wembley Stadium, on Wednesday. He walked through the catacombs of Wembley and came across a quote from football god Pele (1940-2022): “Wembley is the heart, the cathedral and the center of football.” His new job awakens dreams in him that he would have had as a little boy.

Harsh criticism in advance

Now Tuchel is demonstrably not English, as much as he loves the country and its football culture. In the run-up to the signing, the English media had already complained that England had to “be English down to the last man in the jersey. We don’t need Thomas Tuchel, we need a patriot.” Harsh words that Tuchel responds to with a lot of empathy. He can understand this attitude, but asks for respect for himself, his team and their achievements to date. He describes himself as “very emotional and very passionate, no matter what nationality is on my passport.” Is this commitment enough for English media and fans?

Royal tailwind and praise from your intimate enemy

But from now on Tuchel not only has to defy the headwind, he can also look forward to royal tailwind. Prince William (42) himself warmly welcomed the new England coach shortly after the Tuchel deal was announced: “Thomas, we wish you much success! We are all behind you! W” England captain Harry Kane (31) also had Tuchel described as a “fantastic coach and fantastic person” before the official decision. Both have a successful collaboration at Bayern Munich. Surprising praise also comes from a former Bayern player with whom Tuchel has had legendary verbal duels. Didi Hamann (51), ex-national player, Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2005 and Sky expert, commented on England’s choice of coach: “England is getting an excellent coach. He knows the Premier League and his good relationship with Harry Kane certainly helps. ” Hamann has rarely sounded so conciliatory in recent months.

Does Tuchel sing the England anthem?

Tuchel did not want to give a final answer to the question of whether he would sing the English national anthem during his introduction. This is a “personal decision that he wants to take his time with”. Nevertheless, it is a “very moving anthem,” something he noticed at previous cup finals in England. He doesn’t feel the pressure that is now being built up against him. That is “always the last thing he pays attention to before signing a contract.” He knows: Equipped with an 18-month contract, Tuchel initially only has one shot free with the 2026 World Cup. Either he lands the big coup with the World Cup title in 2026 and ends 60 titleless years for English football. Or he has to take his papers and his German passport and give up his place. Meanwhile, an English fan pleads on Sky’s Instagram page to stay cool: “Let him cook” – let him do it.