Thomas Tuchel must win the 2026 World Cup to justify his appointment as England’s new manager, according to former Three Lions captain Alan Shearer.
England’s last major tournament victory was the 1966 World Cup, and while they came close under Tuchel’s predecessor, Gareth Southgate, the trophy remained elusive. Southgate resigned after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain in July. During his tenure, he led England to the Euro 2020 final, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.
Tuchel, appointed as the third foreign manager of the English men’s team, inherits a squad brimming with talent, including Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
The German coach boasts an impressive resume, having won major trophies with Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich. Tuchel led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 and secured league titles at PSG and Bayern.
“We need a trophy — it’s as simple as that. We need a manager who can deliver,” Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast. “There’s no doubt Tuchel has an incredible CV, but this is a very different challenge. It’s a bold move by the FA.”
Shearer said that Tuchel’s success would be measured by delivering a major tournament win. “You have to win the tournament. That’s what he’s been hired for. The FA has seen that this is the best group of players England has had in a long time.”
Tuchel’s appointment has sparked some criticism due to the decision not to hire an English manager. Lee Carsley, who stepped up from his role with England’s under-21 team, will continue as interim manager for England’s remaining Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November before Tuchel officially starts his role in January 2025.
Former England striker Gary Lineker voiced his support for Carsley, saying, “I would have given the job to Carsley. The players trust him, and he’s shown the creativity to produce entertaining, front-foot football.”
However, there were few strong English candidates for the role. No homegrown manager has won the English top-flight since Howard Wilkinson with Leeds in 1992, prior to the Premier League’s formation. While Graham Potter and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe were linked to the job, reports suggested the FA also reached out to Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.
Former England defender Micah Richards weighed in, saying, “The point is, we don’t have an English candidate strong enough for the job. I was of the opinion that we just need the best person, regardless of nationality. Tuchel is an outstanding manager and a proven winner.”