Thomas Tuchel has described leading England as a "dream job." Thomas Tuchel has extended his contract as England manager through to Euro 2028. The German took charge in January 2025 on a deal that was scheduled to run until this summer's World Cup.

Tuchel said it was "no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far" and that he was "very happy and proud" to continue in the role. The 2028 European Championship finals are being hosted by England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, and it is understood Tuchel views leading the side into a home Euros as a rare opportunity.

For its part, the Football Association (FA) was keen to ensure continuity and remove speculation over Tuchel's future heading into the World Cup. The 52-year-old had been strongly linked with Manchester United, where Michael Carrick is in charge until the end of the season. It was not the first time he had been viewed as a potential manager at Old Trafford and Tuchel is said to have met with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in France in 2024 when the club were considering replacing Erik ten Hag.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham said Tuchel's extension would ensure the England squad and staff were fully focused on the World Cup. "We know the players are right behind him, and the togetherness within the group is there for all to see," said Bullingham. "By securing them early for 2028, we have taken away the potential distraction of contract negotiations around the tournament."

Last November, Tuchel said the England role had "re-energised" him and that he would be open to extending his time in charge, having initially been the driving force behind signing an 18-month contract that would give him time to see how he felt in the job.

In a statement announcing his new deal, Tuchel said he had received so much support from the FA and fans "that I did not hesitate when asked to continue in this dream job." "Euro 2028 will be a very special tournament and as a coach there is nothing more you want than to compete with the very best on the biggest possible stage," he added.

Tuchel's backroom staff - Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne - have also signed contracts through to summer 2028.

Tuchel guided England to eight wins from eight matches in World Cup qualifying and they will play Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their group at the finals. News of his extension coincides with the former Chelsea manager attending Thursday's draw for the 2026-27 Nations League.

When Thomas Tuchel took charge of England it seemed like it was going to be a quick in and out. The German signed an 18-month contract to see him through England's World Cup campaign. Then, he was expected to return to club management. The former Borussia Dortmund, Paris St-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach would likely have had the pick of many top jobs in the summer. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are just two clubs who would have had him on their radar.

Instead, he has committed his future to the Three Lions. The England job has proved to be an excellent fit for the 52-year-old. Before the November internationals, Tuchel said he had enjoyed "the level of support and trust" the Football Association offered. So we should not be surprised he has now decided to stay on.

Tuchel has always spoken highly of the Premier League but could not walk away from leading England at a home tournament. It is good news for the FA, too. The last thing it wanted was to deal with months of speculation not only over Tuchel's position, but who would replace him. Now it can plan for the home Euros with continuity, and a coach who has got results.

It is not without pitfalls, of course. If England underperform at the World Cup, questions over his future will be asked. But Tuchel's record so far means both parties do not see this as a risky move.

Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.