Tuchel hopes to make England's World Cup 'dream come true'

German Tuchel, 51, was confirmed as the next Three Lions boss on Wednesday and will officially take charge on 1 January after signing an 18-month contract.

Tuchel said he is "sorry I have a German passport" in response to becoming only the third non-British permanent head coach of the England men's team.

The Champions League winner also explained he was initially unsure about making the switch from club to international football but added he is excited to work with a "very special and exciting group of players".

Tuchel is tasked with guiding England's men to the 2026 World Cup, where they will hope to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy.

He replaces Gareth Southgate, who resigned after eight years in charge following England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July.

"I understood very quickly that is it is a big job. I think always the job you are in is the biggest job and it makes no sense to compare, but it feels big and feels like a privilege," Tuchel said at a media conference at Wembley on Wednesday afternoon.

"I think it is pretty obvious I am very emotional. I love what I am doing and am passionate about football.

"This role just brought the young me alive and brought back my teenage days, to get excited for such a big task.

"Everyone can be assured we will do it with passion and emotions. We will try to install values and principles and rules as quickly as possible to make the dream come true."

Interim boss Lee Carsley will remain in charge for England’s Nations League fixtures next month before returning to lead the England Under-21s.

Carsley travelled the same journey as Southgate through the Football Association's development system.

However, it is former Chelsea manager Tuchel - described by FA chief executive Mark Bullingham as "one of the best coaches in the world" - who has been called upon to end England’s long wait for silverware in 2026.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, between 2001 and 2006, and Fabio Capello, from 2008 to 2012, are the only previous non-British permanent England men's bosses.

Addressing critics who believe an Englishman should lead the national team, Tuchel said: "All of those supporters maybe felt my passion for the English Premier League and the country and how I love to live and work here.

"Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be an English manager and do everything to show respect to this role and this country and the target for the next 18 months."

Tuchel said he would take time to decide whether he will sing the national anthem prior to games.

He said: "I understand it is a personal decision. There are managers who sing and some who don't. I have not made my decision yet. No matter what decision I take, I will always show my respect to the country and a very moving anthem."

-BBC