Thomas Tuchel: England boss signs contract extension until 2028
Thomas Tuchel will lead England at the home European Championships in 2028 after signing a contract extension; The German's current deal was set to expire after the World Cup but in a potential blow to Man Utd, he is set to stay on and lead the Three Lions into the next Euros
Thursday 12 February 2026 12:07, UK
Thomas Tuchel has signed a contract extension to keep him as England head coach through to the end of Euro 2028.
The FA announced on Thursday the German was set to stay on, with his previous deal only running until the end of this summer's World Cup.
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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."
New deal provides 'clarity and full focus'
The timing of Tuchel's extension is interesting given the clubs potentially looking for a new manager in the summer, including Manchester United.
The FA said the agreement with Tuchel, who has been linked with the manager's job at Old Trafford, would provide "clarity and full focus" on the World Cup, in the hope the extension will silence talk around his future which could otherwise prove a distraction.
The FA said Tuchel's main backroom team - Anthony Barry, Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer and James Melbourne - have also agreed extensions through to the end of Euro 2028.
Tuchel added: "I have had so much support from [FA chief executive] Mark [Bullingham], all my colleagues at the FA and from fans wherever I go 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."
FA CEO Mark Bullingham added: "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."
Can Tuchel add a second star to England shirt?
Tuchel, who is due to attend the Nations League draw in Brussels on Thursday, was confirmed as the successor to Gareth Southgate in October 2024.
His focus will now be on this summer's World Cup in North America.
In his first interview, he stated his aim was to add a "second star" to the England shirt by winning the 2026 World Cup in North America.
His England team cruised through qualification, winning all eight matches in a group which featured Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra.
England will then start their group stage campaign on Wednesday, June 17 against Croatia, before facing Ghana and Panama in their other group matches later in June.
'Tuchel's new deal a risk but FA think it's a risk worth taking'
Sky Sports News' Chief Correspondent Kavhe Solhekol:
"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."
