The FA has announced the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new England senior men’s head coach, with renowned English coach Anthony Barry serving as his assistant. Tuchel, a UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea, returns to English football following a successful career at elite clubs in Germany and France. During his time at Chelsea, he led the team to European and world championships and was named UEFA and FIFA Coach of the Year in 2021.
Tuchel’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process led by FA CEO Mark Bullingham and men's technical director John McDermott, which began after England’s run to the UEFA EURO 2024 final. The FA Board approved Tuchel and Barry’s appointments last week, and Tuchel signed his contract on October 8. They will officially begin their roles on January 1, 2025, as England prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Tuchel will be reunited with Barry, who worked alongside him at Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Barry, a UEFA Pro licence holder, has international experience with Belgium and Portugal, adding significant depth to the coaching team.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed his confidence in the new leadership, stating: “Thomas is one of the best coaches in the world, and Anthony is a top English talent. We believe this coaching team gives us the best possible chance to win the 2026 World Cup.”
Interim coach Lee Carsley will remain in charge through the UEFA Nations League group stage, after which he will return to his role as head coach of England’s U21 team.
Tuchel shared his pride in leading England, saying, “It’s a huge privilege to represent England, and I look forward to working with this talented group of players.” Barry echoed the sentiment, adding, “For any Englishman in football, working with the national team is the pinnacle.”
