Skip to main content
Regional secretary with the National Education Union
Thomas Tuchel and the English Game
Newly appointed England head coach Thomas Tuchel during a press conference at Wembley Stadium, London, October 16, 2024

THE appointment of Thomas Tuchel as manager of the England men’s team has caused a stir.

It has been criticised as an abandonment of English football identity. A betrayal of St George and the English DNA forged at his football Park in Staffordshire.

Such criticism forgets how football developed as a global game in the first place, and national team football has always been open to positive international influences and the sharing of ideas beyond borders.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and President Donald Trump (fifth from right) after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., July 13, 2025
Men's Football / 14 July 2025
14 July 2025
Chelsea's Joao Pedro is congratulated by Enzo Fernandez after scoring his side's second goal during the Club World Cup semi final against Fluminense in East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 8, 2025
Men’s Football / 11 July 2025
11 July 2025

Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON

Diogo Jota, November 12, 2023
Men’s football / 4 July 2025
4 July 2025
A celebration of Diogo Jota and his time in English football, after he and his brother Andre Silva died following a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning in Spain. By JAMES NALTON
Similar stories
Then newly appointed England head coach Thomas Tuchel with F
Men’s Football / 3 January 2025
3 January 2025
England head coach Thomas Tuchel talks to the media after th
World Cup 2026 / 13 December 2024
13 December 2024
England learn their opponents in preliminary draw for campaign’s kick off in March
Newly appointed England head coach Thomas Tuchel with FA CEO
Men's Football / 16 October 2024
16 October 2024
Thomas Tuchel, April 16, 2024
Men's Football / 15 October 2024
15 October 2024