Thomas Tuchel’s job is ‘bigger’ than winning World Cup as new England manager is warned not to ‘erode’ Gareth Southgate’s good work

The former Chelsea boss was named as England’s new permanent manager earlier this week, with the German signing an 18-month deal that starts from January 1, 2025. Amid all the hubbub about his suitability for the post, ex-England international Stuart Pearce has given his backing to the former Bayern Munich manager, while saying the post is “bigger” than just coming home with the World Cup.

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  WHAT STUART PEARCE SAID

  He told SunSport: “I’ve never been anti-foreign managers. I would prefer an English manager, make no mistake. But I’m very supportive of whoever is in that hot seat. I wish Thomas well. When I hear people say they’re OK with a foreign manager, just not a German one, it’s almost laughable. Come on, now.

  “Some might say Tuchel has been employed solely to win something at senior level. The job is bigger than that. Gareth and the FA did so much good work. Relationships with the fans and press are better, the players have a better buy-in.

  “Gareth was interested in the whole pyramid system of English football, supporting teams and coaches at younger levels. I hope all that work isn’t eroded. There’s no reason why a foreign manager can’t take an interest in that. Thomas has a brilliant track record. But there is a bigger project here than just managing England to try to win something.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tuchel’s appointment has caused quite the stir; with some quarters saying he is a brilliant appointment for the Three Lions after winning trophies at Chelsea, Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain, and more, while others feel a foreign manager should not have been appointed. Regardless, the 51-year-old will try to lead England to World Cup glory in 2026 and things may go a bit smoother if the nation rallies around him and his team.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Before Tuchel takes up his post at the start of next year, interim boss Lee Carsley’s England will play out their final Nations League group stage matches; starting with a trip to Greece on November 14, before hosting the Republic of Ireland three days later.