Thomas Tuchel surprises himself as England boss rejects Man Utd | Football | Sport

Thomas Tuchel is set to sign a new two-year contract, extending his England tenure until after Euro 2028, having surprised himself with how much fun he has found the job. The Football Association are expected to announce their plans ahead of today’s Nations League draw in Brussels, with Tuchel in Belgium.

Tuchel, who took the reins in January 2025, has agreed to a two-year extension that will see him lead the team beyond this summer’s World Cup and into the “home Euros.” This represents a significant victory for the FA, given the high level of interest in Tuchel from other clubs, including Manchester United. The German manager himself has been pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoys the role. Tuchel led a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, has shown unwavering dedication to planning for the summer, and has fully embraced his new life.

The 52-year-old has made London his home, is a frequent visitor to St George’s Park, and has become used to travelling around the country to watch matches. Tuchel was spotted at West Ham on Tuesday and Anfield last Sunday, and has become a familiar face in Premier League boardrooms.

He has also taken to communicating with players via phone, text and Zoom, gradually overcoming the frustration of missing out on training sessions “out on the grass.”

His tenure hasn’t been without controversy – most notably a public gaffe when he claimed his own mother finds some of Jude Bellingham’s on-pitch behaviour “repulsive” – but overall, it has been a positive experience.

This prompted Tuchel to declare in November that he was prepared to stay and open to penning a new contract. He stated at the time: “It is a lot of fun. It is a lot of fun especially since we are on track in the last two camps but it was from the start.

“There is nothing to announce at the moment but I’m very happy with the ways things go and I think the federation is quite happy with the way things are.

“I am in a good place mentally because I love the team, I love the support from the federation and I love the direction where its heading and that’s the main focus. I haven’t thought so much about my contract but we have time for that.”

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FA chief executive Mark Bullingham is perhaps Tuchel’s biggest admirer and, having been a staunch supporter of former boss Gareth Southgate, now finds himself collaborating with a markedly different personality.

However, this difference presents a fresh challenge, one which the FA has relished due to their belief that Tuchel is a top-tier coach. They admire his passion and the enthusiasm with which he has embraced his role.

There may have been a hint that Tuchel was planning to stay as he is attending the Nations League draw, which commences in September, thereby speeding up discussions.

Tuchel, who earns £5million per annum, has substantial bonuses included in his contract, a provision that will continue under his two-year extension.

But the most significant factor was the FA’s desire not to let the World Cup campaign be overshadowed by questions regarding the manager’s future and whether he would remain in post.

United interviewed Tuchel two years ago but opted to persist with Erik ten Hag in what proved a shambolic managerial recruitment process. Tuchel was keen on the prospect of Old Trafford – but remained unimpressed by how the situation unfolded.

Following United’s subsequent dismissal of ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, they currently have Michael Carrick serving as caretaker, though should they pursue an elite appointment then Tuchel would represent the outstanding choice.

That opportunity has now passed, his destiny is confirmed and this provides reassurance for the FA whilst also simplifying matters when he addresses the media in Brussels at the draw.

However, the FA have endured painful experiences previously. They notably extended Fabio Capello’s deal before the 2010 World Cup following reports emerging in Italy regarding attention from Serie A outfits.

Following an outstanding qualifying run, the World Cup campaign unravelled spectacularly, and that subsequently appeared a catastrophic judgement which returned to haunt them when he resigned prior to Euro 2012, leaving them stranded.

Yet the FA have witnessed sufficient evidence from Tuchel to convince them his commitment lies with the role – and that explains why he will remain.

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