England had stunning 'verbal agreement' with world-class manager before appointing Thomas Tuchel

A world-class manager reportedly verbally agreed to become England’s head coach before the Football Association (FA) appointed Thomas Tuchel.

Following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain, the FA were searching for a manager with one goal in mind: to win the 2026 World Cup.

After Lee Carsley took charge on an interim basis between August and November 2024, Tuchel was appointed as head coach.

He began work on January 1, 2025, and guided the Three Lions to World Cup qualification at a canter, with eight wins from eight games and no goals conceded.

Fast forward to the tournament, and England breezed through the group stage with wins against Croatia and Panama despite a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana on matchday 2.

Harry Kane’s heroic brace stopped the Three Lions from exiting against DR Congo in the round of 32 before Jude Bellingham starred in a hard-fought 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16.

READ NEXT: Argentina could exploit loophole to avoid FIFA sanction for Falklands flag display

In the quarter-finals, Erling Haaland’s Norway stood between England and just a fourth World Cup semi-final.

Despite falling behind, Bellingham starred once again with a brace to secure an extra-time victory and, in doing so, set up a mouthwatering semi-final with Argentina.

England would go on to take the lead through Anthony Gordon against the South Americans, but late strikes from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez meant the Three Lions’ wait for a World Cup final appearance would last at least four years longer.

Tuchel was heavily criticised after the defeat, with fans, pundits and even his own players suggesting the Three Lions sat too deep and invited pressure – a tactic his predecessor, Southgate, was heavily criticised for.

Despite the criticism, the FA has retained faith in the German, with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praising Tuchel in a statement which read: “It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.

“I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.”

Tuchel also made clear that he was 100 percent invested in leading England to Euro 2028.

When asked whether he wanted to take the team forward, he said: “Yes, 100%. There is still enough to improve, and I am more than happy to do that. I’ve loved every day of the World Cup.”

Tuchel was England's second choice

However, things could have been entirely different, according to a report by The Athletic.

The outlet claimed that the FA intended to appoint Pep Guardiola as Southgate’s successor in 2024 and even had a verbal agreement in place before he opted to stay at Manchester City for another season.

Guardiola failed to guide City to silverware during the 2024/25 campaign before he won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in 2025/26. He stepped down at the end of the season and is now without a job.

England face France in the bronze medal match in Miami on Saturday (July 18).