Thomas Tuchel commits to England through Euro 2028 despite club interest

Thomas Tuchel says he intends to remain England manager until at least Euro 2028 and would not leave the job even if offered a role by one of Europe’s leading clubs.

The German also admitted he plans to return to club management once his time with England ends, but insisted his immediate focus remains on the national team.

Tuchel’s comments come amid reports linking Mauricio Pochettino with Manchester United, where Michael Carrick is expected to depart in the coming days. The United States manager reportedly has a £7m release clause in his contract.

Tuchel said his own agreement with the Football Association contains no such provision.

“There is no release clause and there is no intention of having one,” he told Sky Sports. “I signed the contract and I want to stay until the Euros. I want to play the Euros. We still have things to achieve.”

Asked whether it was completely unlikely that he would leave England if a major club made him an offer before Euro 2028, Tuchel replied: “Yes, I think so.”

Tuchel has guided England to the semi-finals of the most recent World Cup in the United States, where they suffered a painful defeat by Argentina.

Since that tournament, England have won three of their four UEFA Nations League matches, including a 7-0 victory over Croatia. They face Croatia again on Thursday evening in the fifth round of the group stage.

“I like the group of players I have, I like the coaching staff, and I have people who trust me and are happy with the way we work,” Tuchel said.

“That is a lot for me. I know how to appreciate it, and that is why I am in a good place. As I have said, I love the players. I miss my club players, I miss my team and I miss the 50 matches I do not take part in during the year.

“But I am hungry to win the Nations League, hungry to play the Euros and try to win it.”

Tuchel wants club return

Despite his commitment to England, Tuchel confirmed that he expects to return to club football after his international management career.

“Yes, definitely,” he said. “I miss the 50 matches, as I said. I miss those final minutes when everything is over.

“You come off two minutes before the final whistle and those are the best two minutes. Everything is finished, you are in a full stadium, the lights are on, you feel the excitement and you are part of it all.”

He added: “Those two minutes make me realise how lucky and grateful I am. Then the final whistle goes, you go back into the tunnel and try to win the match for your team. You do that every four days.”

Tuchel, who has previously managed Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, also welcomed the possibility of England hosting the UEFA Nations League final.

“We do not know yet where the Nations League final will be held,” he said. “The FA has the option to apply to host it.”

He believes staging matches in England could provide valuable preparation for Euro 2028, which England will host, particularly given the pressure expected from home supporters.

“Euro 2028 will be at home and the pressure connected with that tournament will be unique,” Tuchel said. “It is almost a rehearsal, playing in front of our own fans.”

England are second in Group C, three points behind leaders Spain and six points ahead of third-placed Croatia.