Thomas Tuchel gives surprising answer when being asked if he'll sing God Save The King as England boss
New Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel sat down for his first press conference as gaffer and answered a range of questions, including whether or not he will sing the National Anthem.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager was officially unveiled as the new England head coach on Wednesday morning (16 October) after the media reported the news on Tuesday night.
Tuchel, 51, has won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea, as well as league titles at PSG and Bayern so far in his career, but the German is now taking on his toughest test yet as England's boss ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
When will Tuchel take charge?
The Football Association moved quickly to get their man, who is tied down to an 18-month contract that kicks in at the start of 2025, taking him to the summer of 2026, when the North American World Cup will be held.
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Expectations are high for the ex-Dortmund coach, who has been out of a job since leaving his post as Bayern manager at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, where the Bundesliga juggernauts finished second and failed to win the league for the first time since 2012.
Nevertheless, the rumour mill has kept Tuchel linked to jobs at some of the biggest clubs in football, none more so than Manchester United in the past few weeks, amid pressure on current Red Devils' head coach Erik ten Hag.
But today, he was announced as manager on England's social media platforms and addressed the press shortly after, where he answered a question that faced current interim coach Lee Carsley.
Will Tuchel sing God Saves The King, come his first game?
Carsley, who is Birmingham-born but represented Ireland at international level as a player, refused to sing the national anthem, so Tuchel was posed the same question.
The German coolly responded: "I understood from Mark [Bullingham, FA chief executive] that it is a personal decision. There are managers who sing it and others who didn't.
"I haven't made my decision yet, I want to be honest with you. Your anthem is very moving, the English anthem is very moving. I've experienced several times at Wembley and even out with the players at an FA Cup final."
"It was very touching. No matter what decision I will make, and we have until March, I will always show my respect to my new role, the new country and a very moving anthem. As it's a news object, I will take a little time for this decision." he explained.
Tuchel also highlighted how much he is looking forward to the role, explaining: “I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.
“To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting," he said.
Reaction to Tuchel's appointment from experts
Former England International Gary Neville said: "I think we are damaging ourselves. I do think there are outstanding English candidates who could have been appointed."
Meanwhile, fellow ex-England defender Jamie Carragher shared: "I think its embarrassing...
"I've always been of the opinion that the England manager should be English, and I'm never changing that."
Danny Mills, who represented at the 2002 World Cup, was surprised but not upset.
"He’s a very, very good coach... It has come pretty much out of the blue.
"Would I have preferred it to be an English manager? Of course. But the options are very, very limited." he told talkSPORT.
The German's first matches at the helm will come during the international break in March 2025.
Joshua Nair