‘Thomas Tuchel was LUCKY to get the England job,’ insists Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann… before laying out a bleak prediction for England’s future

Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann does not expect England’s 59-year wait for a major trophy to end under his compatriot Thomas Tuchel. 

Indeed, the former Gunners star believes Tuchel was fortunate to be hired as Three Lions boss after his rather underwhelming spell with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. 

Lehmann, who made 61 appearances for Germany during a decade-long international career, is not of the view that Tuchel’s nationality should have prohibited him from taking the job. But he insisted the former Chelsea and PSG boss will be unable to achieve his stated aim of winning the 2026 World Cup. 

‘For me, he is not a traitor,’ Lehmann told 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.

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

Tuchel will make his bow as England boss when the Three Lions welcome Albania to Wembley on Friday. 

The German appears to have made a stunning impression with several of the squad, including Morgan Gibbs-White and Harry Kane, who have sung his praises. 

However, there was criticism from some quarters after his appointment from England and perhaps most notably from his native Germany. 

Lehmann addressed the claims of former Leicester City and Chelsea defender Robert Huth, who admitted he would not accept a German English manager and even went as far as to label him as a ‘traitor’. 

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

Tuchel’s healthy trophy cabinet after 14 years of management rightfully sees him considered among the best head coaches in world football. Though brief, and below expectations, his time in Bavaria produced a Bundesliga title to add to his two Ligue 1 crowns, German Cup, French Cup and Champions League. 

Speaking ahead of the clash against Albania, the 51-year-old, delivered a scathing assessment of England’s Euro 2024 campaign under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

Asked if England had a clear playing style at the Euros, Tuchel told ITV Sport: ‘Not last summer, no.’

Elaborating on what was missing, Tuchel added: ‘The identity, the clarity, the rhythm, the repetition of patterns. The freedom of players, the expression of players, the hunger.

‘They were more afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win it.’