Tuchel rules out club return, commits to England until 2028

Thomas Tuchel. Photo: Getty Images

England head coach Thomas Tuchel, has ruled out an early return to club management, insisting he is committed to leading the Three Lions until the 2028 European Championship.

Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate as England manager in 2025, signed a contract extension in February that will keep him in charge until Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England.

The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain manager said he had no intention of leaving the national team despite potential offers from major European clubs.

As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, the German was quoted as saying, “I signed the contract, I want to stay until the Euros. I want to do the Euros. We have unfinished business.”

His comments come amid reports that Manchester United are in advanced talks with United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino over replacing Michael Carrick as head coach.

United would reportedly need to activate a release clause in Pochettino’s contract, believed to be worth around £7 million, to secure his services.

However, Tuchel said his own contract does not contain a release clause, further emphasising his determination to remain in charge of England until the end of his agreement.

Although committed to the national team, the German admitted that he misses certain aspects of club football, particularly the frequency of matches and the atmosphere of competing in front of packed stadiums.

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“I miss the 50 matches [a season],” he said.

“I miss the two minutes when everything is done. You go out two minutes before the whistle goes, it’s like the best two minutes, everything is done and you’re in a full stadium, lights are on and you’re just so excited and you’re part of it.”

Tuchel led England to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in his first major tournament as manager, following the team’s consecutive European Championship final defeats under Southgate.

The former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss believes there is still work to be done with the national team before he considers another challenge in club management.

Meanwhile, England are preparing for two important Nations League fixtures as they look to improve their position in the group.

Tuchel’s side will host Croatia on Thursday before travelling to Madrid to face reigning World Cup champions and group leaders Spain on Sunday.