England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed a strong desire to extend his role beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, eyeing a long-term project that could take him through to UEFA Euro 2028.
His comments come at a time when England’s recent performances have sparked growing concerns among fans and football pundits.
Tuchel, appointed in early 2024, is under contract until the end of the 2026 tournament. However, the Three Lions’ shocking 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal on Tuesday has intensified scrutiny.
The defeat, England’s first ever to an African nation, marked a significant low point and placed the German tactician under the spotlight.
In an interview with Talksport on Wednesday, Tuchel reaffirmed his commitment to the national side. “I love this group, and it’s a huge privilege to manage England,” he said. “If you asked me today about staying longer, I’d say yes without hesitation. I feel the support, the trust, and the respect from everyone at the FA. I came here for a new challenge and I’m still fully motivated.”
Tuchel, 51, admitted the Senegal defeat was hard to take. “I didn’t sleep well,” he confessed. “It’s disappointing to lose, especially at home. We hated every minute of it.” England’s backline struggled throughout the match at the City Ground, raising concerns ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
He also touched on a deeper issue within the squad – a visible lack of passion and energy. “I felt something was missing even in the 1-0 win over Andorra,” Tuchel observed. “We need to rediscover the joy of playing together. Football is about connection, emotion, and spirit. Right now, we’re not showing enough of that.”
Contrasting England’s mood with Senegal’s historic hunger, Tuchel questioned whether his players would celebrate victories with the same zeal. “Senegal played with purpose, pride, and happiness. I want to see our players celebrate goals more, show excitement. Maybe it’s cultural, but I believe we can change that.”
Tuchel will travel to the United States next week to begin preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
With logistical planning underway, his ambitions remain clear: to restore England’s edge and guide them not just to 2026 success, but beyond to Euro 2028.