Thomas Tuchel lucky to get England job – he won’t win anything with them

England fans must pump the brakes on their dreams that Thomas Tuchel can deliver the nation some long-awaited silverware. This is the view of former Germany and Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who believes his compatriot is wrong for the role. Instead, he told supporters to expect the heartbreak to continue despite the Football Association of hiring a manager used to winning things. Tuchel’s tenure as England boss is about to step up in intensityGetty The wait is nearly over for Tuchel’s first game as Three Lions boss as his side will face Albania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on March 21, with a second match against Latvia three days later. However, the German has come under criticism before he’s even named his first England squad after reports emerged of his work from home arrangement. Tuchel struck an agreement with the FA that allowed him to make regular visits back to Germany to see his two children. But that may all soon be forgotten should the former Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund boss begin delivering early results and show early signs of a positive brand of football. Even if he leads England to victory over Albania and Latvia, some fans may be unconvinced given he is the first German to manage England and the first foreigner to coach the men’s team since Italian Fabio Capello left in 2012. Even some in Germany may have been disappointed with Tuchel taking the England role given the history between the nations, with former Leicester star and Germany international Robert Huth admitting he wouldn’t approve of an English manager being in charge of Germany. However, Lehmann did not agree with Huth’s verdict but insisted Tuchel was actually fortunate to land the role. Lehmann also felt Huth was alone in believing Tuchel was a ‘traitor’. “For me, he is not a traitor,” Lehmann clarified on talkSPORT Drive. “For me, he is very lucky to get such a great job. There must be a reason why he’s not with Bayern Munich anymore. It’s very difficult to get sacked by Bayern Munich. The Tuchel era has begun in the England camp with his first game against Albania at WembleyGetty talkSPORTLehmann claimed his compatriot was ‘very lucky’ to land such a high-profile role[/caption] “But we are happy for him that he’s the English coach now.” Yet despite Tuchel winning 11 trophies throughout his managerial career, including the Champions League, Lehmann believed he would not add to his haul as England boss. “There’s no such thing like being called a traitor,” Lehmann said. “I heard that for the first time from Robert. I like Robert and like sometimes his clear views. “It doesn’t make England more likely to win anything, but it’s good for him.” talkSPORT Drive host Andy Goldstein immediately pressed Lehmann on why he felt England’s trophy chances weren’t boosted with Tuchel in charge given his previous success. The former Germany international remains unconvinced Tuchel is the man to end England’s trophy drought that’s remained since 1966Getty “You have to look at Bayern Munich and how they played last season,” Lehmann said. “Then you’ll see it. If you understand football, you’ll see it.” Under Tuchel, Bayern surrendered control of the Bundesliga title for the first time in 11 years as Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen went unbeaten to finish top of the table. He departed the German giants at the end of the 2023/24 campaign as Bayern embarked on a ‘sporting realignment’, with former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany replacing him at the helm. Tuchel’s sole focus is now on delivering England’s men their first trophy since 1966, but if Lehmann’s prediction rings true, the wait will grow even longer.

Mar 20, 2025 - 11:03
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Thomas Tuchel lucky to get England job – he won’t win anything with them

England fans must pump the brakes on their dreams that Thomas Tuchel can deliver the nation some long-awaited silverware.

This is the view of former Germany and Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who believes his compatriot is wrong for the role. Instead, he told supporters to expect the heartbreak to continue despite the Football Association of hiring a manager used to winning things.

Tuchel’s tenure as England boss is about to step up in intensity
Getty

The wait is nearly over for Tuchel’s first game as Three Lions boss as his side will face Albania in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on March 21, with a second match against Latvia three days later.

However, the German has come under criticism before he’s even named his first England squad after reports emerged of his work from home arrangement.

Tuchel struck an agreement with the FA that allowed him to make regular visits back to Germany to see his two children.

But that may all soon be forgotten should the former Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund boss begin delivering early results and show early signs of a positive brand of football.

Even if he leads England to victory over Albania and Latvia, some fans may be unconvinced given he is the first German to manage England and the first foreigner to coach the men’s team since Italian Fabio Capello left in 2012.

Even some in Germany may have been disappointed with Tuchel taking the England role given the history between the nations, with former Leicester star and Germany international Robert Huth admitting he wouldn’t approve of an English manager being in charge of Germany.

However, Lehmann did not agree with Huth’s verdict but insisted Tuchel was actually fortunate to land the role.

Lehmann also felt Huth was alone in believing Tuchel was a ‘traitor’.

“For me, he is not a traitor,” Lehmann clarified on talkSPORT Drive.

“For me, he is very lucky to get such a great job. There must be a reason why he’s not with Bayern Munich anymore. It’s very difficult to get sacked by Bayern Munich.

The Tuchel era has begun in the England camp with his first game against Albania at Wembley
Getty
talkSPORT
Lehmann claimed his compatriot was ‘very lucky’ to land such a high-profile role[/caption]

“But we are happy for him that he’s the English coach now.”

Yet despite Tuchel winning 11 trophies throughout his managerial career, including the Champions League, Lehmann believed he would not add to his haul as England boss.

“There’s no such thing like being called a traitor,” Lehmann said.

“I heard that for the first time from Robert. I like Robert and like sometimes his clear views.

“It doesn’t make England more likely to win anything, but it’s good for him.”

talkSPORT Drive host Andy Goldstein immediately pressed Lehmann on why he felt England’s trophy chances weren’t boosted with Tuchel in charge given his previous success.

The former Germany international remains unconvinced Tuchel is the man to end England’s trophy drought that’s remained since 1966
Getty

“You have to look at Bayern Munich and how they played last season,” Lehmann said.

“Then you’ll see it. If you understand football, you’ll see it.”

Under Tuchel, Bayern surrendered control of the Bundesliga title for the first time in 11 years as Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen went unbeaten to finish top of the table.

He departed the German giants at the end of the 2023/24 campaign as Bayern embarked on a ‘sporting realignment’, with former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany replacing him at the helm.

Tuchel’s sole focus is now on delivering England’s men their first trophy since 1966, but if Lehmann’s prediction rings true, the wait will grow even longer.