England have confirmed that men’s national team manager Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract keeping him in charge until 2028, when England will co-host the European Championship alongside Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Tuchel, who took over in January 2025, guided the Three Lions through a flawless World Cup qualification campaign. England topped Group K with 8 wins from 8 matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding none, heading into this year’s tournament among the favourites.
In a statement, Tuchel said: “I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England. It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup. It is an incredible opportunity, and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.
“I have had so much support from Mark (Bullingham, CEO), all my colleagues at The FA and from fans wherever I go that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job. EURO 2028 will be a very special tournament, and as a coach, there is nothing more you want than to compete with the very best on the biggest possible stage.”
Tuchel’s backroom staff Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne have also agreed new contracts, extending their stay by 2 years.
The German’s tenure has been largely impressive. After a steady start in qualification for the 2026 World Cup, England found cohesion, recording 5-0 away wins over Serbia and Latvia. The only setback came in the summer when a rotated side lost 3-1 to AFCON champions Senegal at the City Ground.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham welcomed the extension, saying: “I am delighted Thomas has committed to stay with us through to the Euros in 2028. He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and he has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers. We know the players are right behind him, and the togetherness within the group is there for all to see.
“There is simply no better candidate available in world football. With his big-game experience, knowledge and passion, he gives the squad the very best chance for success – this summer and with the once-in-a-generation EURO being hosted on these shores in two years’ time.
“In Thomas, Anthony and the wider team, we have a perfect blend of English coaching and international expertise. Their full focus remains on doing as well as possible this summer, and by securing them early for 2028, we have taken away the potential distraction of contract renegotiations around the tournament.”
Ahead of the World Cup in June, England will face New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida in warm up fixtures. During next month’s international break, they are scheduled to play Uruguay and Japan in friendlies.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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