Thomas Tuchel becomes leading candidate for England job as FA talks ramp up

Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the leading candidate to become England’s new manager after the FA stepped up talks with his camp.

talkSPORT understands that while Tuchel is yet to discuss the terms of a contract, the former Chelsea boss is very keen to replace Gareth Southgate.

There is a hope on both sides that an agreement could be reached swiftly for Tuchel to become only the third foreign appointment in England’s history.

As reported yesterday, FA chiefs also sounded out Pep Guardiola after Southgate quit in the summer, but have been given no firm indication the Manchester City boss is willing to accept the job.

In fact, City are remaining hopeful Guardiola will extend his stay at the Etihad beyond the end of the season when his current deal expires.

Neither Newcastle boss Eddie nor Graham Potter have received any formal approach from the FA.

It appears that Tuchel has some fans already and has been tipped as the perfect choice as the next permanent England manager.

That’s the view of Jason Cundy, who believes that the former Chelsea boss has the experience and mentality to finally turn the Three Lions into tournament winners.

The talkSPORT host declared: “It’s Thomas Tuchel for me. Even if Eddie Howe is available, it’s Tuchel.

“That, appointing Tuchel, would be sensational because he ticks all of the boxes.

“He’s out of employment, he’s got an affinity with England, he’s a winner and he speaks English – honestly, that turns me on. It does.

“However, he would be a handful for the FA but do you want to win something or not?”

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England aren’t the only ones who could be considering a move for Tuchel though, with Manchester United also keen.

The German boss held talks with United in the summer but had reservations about the club’s recruitment plans. 

Tuchel spent 21 months as Chelsea boss before being sacked by the club in September 2022.

The German boss then joined Bayern in March 2023, spending 14 months at the club before being sacked.

Lee Carsley is currently in interim charge, but told talkSPORT that he didn’t apply for the senior job when clarifying his comments about returning to his usual role in charge of the Under-21s.

“The hopefully comment, it’s something that I would always say,” he exclusively told talkSPORT’s Faye Carruthers.

“So, I’m going to have my dinner in a bit, hopefully it’s nice, so it’s not something that I’m worried or thought too much about. I’ve got a really good job, I love coaching the U21s, the fact that I was asked to do this job for three camps, really comfortable doing that.

“Hopefully people will say at the end of the three months that I’ve done a good job and done well and that’s fine, and that’s always the case. The most important thing is that the players enjoy playing for England and they’re positive.”

When asked if he had made a formal application for the permanent role as England manager when Southgate left, he said: “No, I didn’t formally apply for it.”

Carsley will continue to lead England on an interim basis for the November Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland.

It is then that England are expected to really step up their managerial search with their next fixtures not set to take place until next year.

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