Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/Getty
Topics: England, Thomas Tuchel, FA, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello
Chris Byfield
Topics: England, Thomas Tuchel, FA, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello
Danny Mills questioned England’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel as manager because of the way he dresses.
On Wednesday it was announced that Tuchel has been appointed as England manager from January 1, 2025.
The 51-year-old, who has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract, said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.
"I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.
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"To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting."
Certain corners of the UK media have criticised the appointment of Tuchel, a German, insisting that the England manager should be English.
Indeed, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager becomes only the third non-British permanent manager of the men’s team after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Former England defender Danny Mills said there were a “few surprises” regarding Tuchel's appointment, adding that he had reservations regarding the manager’s nationality, the November international break, and the German’s sartorial choices.
He told Sky Sports: “He is an exceptional coach. There are a few surprises. I don't understand why he starts in January.
“Who is going to be picking the team in November? Will Tuchel be at the games? Will he have any input? And the FA need to answer why not an Englishman? Why have they gone down a foreign route again? But Tuchel is a fantastic coach and will do very, very well.”
Mills bizarrely added: “Often we see him in a hoodie and a cap on the sidelines. Will that be his managerial stance as an England manager?
“That’s not really something that we’re used to. It’s really always a suit and looking very, very smart.”