What Does the FA See in Tuchel? Why His Champions League Success Might Not Translate to England

Following four matches in the UEFA Nations League under interim manager Lee Carsley, the English Football Association (FA) made a bold and somewhat unexpected decision to hire former Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel as the new manager of the national team. Tuchel becomes only the third foreign coach in England’s long footballing history, following in the footsteps of Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, both appointed in the 21st century, reflecting the FA's continued belief in seeking expertise from abroad.

England has transitioned from its long-standing reputation of relying on "long-ball football" to a team now praised for its technical prowess, fluid combinations, and intricate passing patterns. This evolution raises a crucial question: is Tuchel, a tactician renowned for his emphasis on organized defenses and structured pressing, the right man to build upon this transformation?

Tuchel’s Underwhelming Playing Career vs. Coaching Prowess

It is often noted that a successful coaching career doesn't always stem from a glorious playing background, and Tuchel is a prime example of this paradox. Tuchel’s playing career was cut short due to injury after managing just under 100 matches, with his highest level of competition being the second tier of German football. By 25, he was forced to retire. However, this early setback set the stage for his meteoric rise as a coach.

Tuchel’s coaching career began in 2000 when he was invited by then-Stuttgart manager Ralf Rangnick to lead the club’s youth teams. It was an interesting choice by Rangnick, given their shared paths as players—both having modest playing careers with no experience at the top level. Yet, Rangnick’s eye for identifying potential managerial talent, combined with Tuchel’s tactical acumen, propelled him into a coaching career that would eventually see him rise to stardom.

Why Tuchel’s Champions League Triumph Caught the FA’s Eye

Though Tuchel has managed some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, it is his time at Chelsea that most piqued the FA’s interest. At Chelsea, Tuchel achieved what eluded many high-profile managers: winning the Champions League in 2021. This feat, coming after taking over the club midway through the season, showcased his ability to galvanize a squad and quickly implement tactical systems that made Chelsea a force in Europe.

Crucially for the FA, Tuchel's work with young English players like Reece James, Mason Mount, and Ben Chilwell stood out. Under his guidance, these players developed from promising prospects into key contributors during Chelsea’s European success. Reece James emerged as one of Europe’s most complete right-backs, while Mount and Chilwell became vital to Chelsea’s attacking structure. This blend of nurturing young English talent and tactical discipline was certainly a factor in the FA's decision to appoint Tuchel.

The Tactical Fit: Is Tuchel's Defensive Style Right for England?

One of Tuchel's defining tactical attributes is his well-organized defensive structure coupled with quick, precise counter-attacks. His version of the “active defensive counter” — where a team prioritizes winning the ball in its own half before launching direct attacks — was pivotal in Chelsea’s success. A quintessential example of this approach was the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City. Kai Havertz scored after a swift transition, capitalizing on City’s lack of midfield protection.

For the FA, this success against Manchester City’s dominant style, led by Pep Guardiola, was particularly appealing. Guardiola’s City has been a juggernaut in English football, and the fact that Tuchel managed to defeat them three times in one season, including the Champions League final, undoubtedly cemented his credentials in their eyes. Tuchel's ability to craft a tactical plan to stifle Guardiola’s possession-heavy football and exploit defensive vulnerabilities made him one of the few managers capable of consistently outwitting Europe’s top sides.

However, questions remain about whether this style aligns with the current evolution of the England team. Under Gareth Southgate, England has embraced a more possession-based approach, prioritizing control of the ball in midfield and building attacks through patience and intricate passing. Southgate’s team, while defensively solid, relied on technical players like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice to orchestrate play, breaking away from the traditionally more direct English approach.

Tuchel’s system, while highly effective in high-pressure knockout competitions like the Champions League, is predicated on defensive solidity first and foremost, often ceding possession to allow for counter-attacking opportunities. Whether this approach suits England’s current roster, brimming with talent capable of dominating possession, remains an open question.

Managing Expectations and Potential Pitfalls

Hiring Tuchel comes with risks, particularly considering his tenure at Chelsea, where his success was fleeting. While his Champions League win was an undoubted high point, Chelsea’s form declined dramatically in the months following their European triumph. This rapid downturn, characterized by inconsistent performances and internal tensions, led to his eventual dismissal. Some critics argue that Tuchel’s success was largely circumstantial, benefiting from a squad that was perfectly suited to the defensive counter-attacking football he employed at the time.

Applying this experience to the international stage, where tournaments are won and lost over short, intense periods, Tuchel could indeed replicate his short-term success. However, sustaining that level of success over the long term, across qualifying campaigns and multiple tournaments, will be the true test.

One of Tuchel's challenges will be his ability to manage expectations, both from the FA and the passionate English fanbase. While his tactical acumen is respected, there are concerns about whether his style can deliver the kind of attractive football that fans have come to expect from England in recent years.

Additionally, the pressures of international management differ significantly from club football. Tuchel will have less time to work with his squad, fewer matches to experiment with tactics, and will need to navigate the unique pressures of managing players from various clubs with different systems. These challenges could potentially limit his ability to implement his signature tactical systems effectively.

The Future: What Can England Expect?

For Tuchel to succeed, he will need to strike a balance between the solid, defensively resilient football that brought him European glory and the fluid, attacking style that the current crop of England players is capable of producing. England has evolved beyond being the rigid, long-ball team of old, and the expectation is that Tuchel will continue that evolution.

The FA’s decision to bring in another foreign manager, despite vocal opposition from some quarters, is a calculated gamble. The belief is that Tuchel’s Champions League experience, his ability to build defensively sound teams, and his nurturing of young talent can help England finally take the next step and claim a major international trophy. However, replicating his club success on the international stage, where resources and preparation time are far more limited, is no small feat.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Tuchel’s appointment will either be seen as a masterstroke or another example of the FA’s occasional overreliance on foreign expertise. For now, Tuchel must navigate the unique challenges of international football and prove that his Champions League success was no fluke.