Thomas Tuchel, the current England head coach, has expressed a strong desire to extend his tenure with the Three Lions beyond the 2026 World Cup and lead the team into Euro 2028. Despite a recent defeat in a friendly match against Senegal, Tuchel remains enthusiastic about his role and the potential of the England squad.
Tuchel, who took over from Gareth Southgate in early 2025, is contracted until the end of the 2026 World Cup in North America. However, the prospect of managing England on home soil at Euro 2028 is clearly appealing to the German coach. "I will always be tempted to stay because I love the group and I love the opportunity," Tuchel told talkSPORT. "It's an honour to be English head coach."
The defeat against Senegal, a 3-1 loss at the City Ground, was a setback for Tuchel's side and drew boos from the crowd. Nevertheless, it hasn't diminished his commitment to the job. "I know what's coming after (the World Cup), a huge tournament in England. I will always be tempted. I can tell you that even after the disappointing result yesterday," he affirmed.
When directly asked if he would like to stay for Euro 2028 even without winning the World Cup, Tuchel gave a resounding "yes." He explained, "If you ask me today, yes, because like I said, I feel that I'm in the right place. I enjoy to be where I am at the moment. I love the new challenge. I wanted a new challenge, I wanted a new environment."
Tuchel highlighted the support and trust he feels from the Football Association (FA) and his admiration for the players. "I feel the support, I feel the trust and the respect of the people in the federation. I love the group of players, I want to push them and it just feels right, so, yeah, a clear yes from my side."
The FA appointed Tuchel as England's head coach to replace Gareth Southgate, who resigned after England's defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Tuchel, who officially began his role on January 1, 2025, is only the third non-British permanent manager to take charge of the English national team, following in the footsteps of Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Tuchel's initial 18-month contract is focused on qualifying for and winning the 2026 World Cup. However, his recent comments suggest he is keen to build a longer-term project with England, potentially mirroring the extended tenures of his predecessors.
Before joining England, Tuchel had a successful managerial career at club level, including winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, as well as league titles and domestic cups with Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. His experience working with top players and his tactical acumen are seen as valuable assets for the England team.
The prospect of hosting Euro 2028 in England, along with the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, adds another layer of appeal for Tuchel. Leading the national team in a major tournament on home soil would be a significant opportunity for both the coach and the country.
While the immediate focus remains on the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel's open interest in staying until Euro 2028 signals his commitment to English football and his belief in the potential of the current squad. It remains to be seen whether the FA will be equally keen to extend his contract, but Tuchel has clearly stated his desire to continue leading the Three Lions for years to come.