Key Takeaways:
- Thomas Tuchel signed a new deal to remain England head coach through to the end of Euro 2028
- Tuchel and his primary backroom staff, including Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne, have all agreed to stay on until Euro 2028
- England won all eight qualifiers and will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their World Cup group this June
Contract Extension Provides Stability Ahead of World Cup
Thomas Tuchel has put pen to paper on a contract extension which secures his place as England’s head coach until the conclusion of Euro 2028. The Football Association made the official announcement on Thursday, confirming that the German’s stay would go beyond his prior agreement, which was set to end after this summer’s World Cup. This move comes amidst speculation that top clubs, including Manchester United, might seek Tuchel’s services during the close season.
Committed to our journey 🏴🦁
Thomas Tuchel will lead our #ThreeLions through to 2028 after signing a new contract!
— England (@England) February 12, 2026
The Football Association believes that the extension delivers “clarity and full focus” as England’s preparations for the World Cup intensify, aiming to dispel speculation about Tuchel’s future that could otherwise disrupt the national side’s campaign. Tuchel’s principal coaching staff – Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne – have also agreed to terms that keep them with the England setup until Euro 2028.
In response to the announcement, Tuchel said: “I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England.
“It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup.
“It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make the country proud.”
FA Praises Tuchel’s Impact as England Target Further Success
Mark Bullingham, Chief Executive of the FA, expressed his delight that Tuchel has committed his future to the national side through to 2028 and hailed the positive influence Tuchel has had on the squad since his appointment in October 2024. Bullingham said: “I am delighted Thomas has committed to stay with us through to the Euros in 2028. He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers. We know the players are right behind him, and the togetherness within the group is there for all to see.
“There is simply no better candidate available in world football. With his big-game experience, knowledge and passion, he gives the squad the very best chance for success – this summer and with the once-in-a generation EURO being hosted on these shores in two years’ time.
“In Thomas, Anthony and the wider team, we have a perfect blend of English coaching and international expertise. Their full focus remains on doing as well as possible this summer, and by securing them early for 2028, we have taken away the potential distraction of contract renegotiations around the tournament.”
England’s Path to the World Cup and Beyond
Tuchel’s England side swept through World Cup qualification, winning all eight of their group matches against Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra. Looking ahead, England’s preparations involve a training camp in south Florida and friendlies against New Zealand on Saturday, 6 June, followed by Costa Rica on Wednesday, 10 June, with the latter fixture falling just before the tournament opener.
England’s World Cup group stage begins against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June. Subsequent matches against Ghana and Panama will round out their group fixtures in June.
| England’s World Cup Fixtures | Date | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly | Saturday, 6 June | New Zealand |
| Friendly | Wednesday, 10 June | Costa Rica |
| Group Stage | Wednesday, 17 June | Croatia |
| Group Stage | Tuesday, 23 June | Ghana |
| Group Stage | Sunday, 28 June | Panama |
As Tuchel looks ahead, he has already stated a strong ambition for England by targeting a “second star” on the national shirt, referencing a pursuit of World Cup triumph in North America in 2026.
Risk and Reward: FA’s Calculated Gamble
With several major clubs reportedly on the lookout for a new manager, the FA’s decision to secure Tuchel’s future before the World Cup has invited debate. As Sky Sports News’ Chief Correspondent Kavhe Solhekol evaluates:
“From the FA’s perspective, waiting until after the World Cup would have been problematic.
“There would have been questions from the media about Tuchel’s future. How could England have had a successful campaign if it is going to be dominated by speculation over Tuchel’s future?
“There are so many jobs available and Tuchel is a man in demand, so the FA think they are being clever in tying him to a new deal now.
“The only thing I’d say is we’ve been down this road before with the FA.
“Before the 2014 World Cup they gave Fabio Capello a new contract becuase Inter Milan were trying to appoint him, and then they had a disastrous tournament and were stuck with Capello.
“It is a risky move what they are doing but at the moment, they think it is worth the risk.”
Focus Remains on Silverware
With job security assured for Tuchel and his coaching staff, England turn full attention to their World Cup journey and the challenge of delivering success for the nation, both this summer and at the landmark Euro 2028 tournament on home soil.
