Thomas Tuchel responds to backlash after becoming third foreign manager appointed as England boss… as German reveals whether he will sing the national anthem

Thomas Tuchel delivered a message to England fans unhappy with his appointment at his first press conference since being named the Three Lions’ new permanent manager on Wednesday afternoon.

Tuchel is the third foreign manager to take charge of England after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, and his appointment has not gone down well in all quarters.

Some fans believe the England manager should always be English, but the 51-year-old German will instead lead the national team into the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to the media, Tuchel addressed the backlash from some supporters, as he said: ‘I’m sorry, I just have a German passport… but all of these supporters can feel my passion for the English Premier League, how I love to work here, how I love to live here.

‘Hopefully I can convince them I am proud to be an England manager.’

Interim boss Lee Carsley sparked controversy last month when he refused to sing the national anthem before England’s Nations League matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Having been born and raised in Germany, Tuchel was asked whether he planned to sing God Save The King or follow Carsley’s lead.

Tuchel replied: I understood from [FA CEO] Mark [Bullingham] that it is a personal decision. 

‘I have not made my decision yet. I want to be honest with you. Your anthem is very moving.’

Tuchel will not start his role until January, with Carsley set to remain on the touchline for England’s final two Nations League matches against Greece and Republic of Ireland next month.

Tuchel will then take over, and will be assisted by highly-rated English coach Anthony Barry.

The German manager is also reportedly set to raid former club Chelsea by bringing in goalkeeping coach Hilario and a video analyst from the Premier League club. 

More to follow…