Thomas Tuchel: England manager BLOCKED from attending World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

2 months ago 21

THOMAS TUCHEL will be blocked from going to December’s 2026 World Cup qualifying draw.

England’s new boss does not officially start work until January 1.

a man in a suit sits on a red chair holding a soccer ball

Thomas Tuchel has been blocked from going to December’s World Cup qualifying draw[/caption]

So he will not manage the team in next month’s Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland.

Nor will he represent England for the draw in Zurich on December 13.

Tuchel’s £10million-a-year contract with Bayern Munich was due to run out next June.

His new Three Lions gig means he will lose £5m of that.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Thomas had his timescale and it just fitted really well.

“What was impressive was his singular focus on us, the World Cup and that project.

“It made sense for it to start on January 1 and for Lee Carsley to finish the Nations League campaign.”

Tuchel’s first taste of match action for England will come in March.

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But it is not yet known whether that will be a Nations League play-off, a World Cup qualifier or a friendly.

If England top their Nations League group B, they will avoid a play-off, but this will require Carsley to inspire the Three Lions to victory away at Greece and most likely also beat Ireland at Wembley in November.

Inside FA's thrilling chase for Tuchel

THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel's signature was not a straightforward one.

They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.

They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.

The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.

Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.

But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.

Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.

Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.

Avoiding the play-off will see them involved in either a World Cup qualifier or a friendly, depending on the how the draw in Zurich plays out.

Should the Three Lions finish second in their Nations League group, they will be involved in a play-off with a side from a Nations League group A.

Warm reception

Former Chelsea gaffer Tuchel has been warmly received by most England fans following yesterday’s announcement.

But the German hopes to win over any remaining doubters by proving his passion for the Three Lions on the pitch.

Tuchel said: “I am sorry I have a German passport!

“But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.

“Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be the English manager.”

The ex-Bayern Munich, PSG and Borussia Dortmund manager also revealed he is yet to decide whether he will sing God Save the King.

Tuchel added: “I understood from Mark it is a personal decision if you sing it. Some managers did it and others did not.

“I have not made my decision. Your anthem is very moving, I experienced it several times at Wembley and in cup finals.

“Whatever decision I make, I will always show my respect to my new role, the country and a moving anthem.

“As it is a new subject, I will take a little bit of time.”