Thomas Tuchel tells England fans not to get used to his outfit as he vows to ditch ‘nice’ look
NEW England manager Thomas Tuchel ditched his trademark tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of today’s World Cup qualifying draw.
But the 51-year-old has told fans he will return to his old ways before his first match in charge.
Tuchel, who will officially take charge of the Three Lions on January 1, was in Zurich this morning to find out who his new team will face in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
England were drawn against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra ahead of next year’s campaign, which will kick off in March.
After learning his team’s fate, Tuchel said: “I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania.
“They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups.
“They have two very famous ex-players as coaches so we should be very aware of that.
“Latvia… England never played them so this is a new experience for all of us.
“We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes. There can’t be any other approach than take it seriously and with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream.”
Tuchel’s attire caught the attention of his German compatriot, Rudi Voller, at the event.
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The former Chelsea boss, who favours a tracksuit top and bottoms as well as a baseball cap and trainers while in the dugout, donned a suit and tie at the FIFA event.
Asked if he will consider wearing the smart attire for England, and if he would wear a tie much like his predecessor Gareth Southgate, the German said: “Things change. An FA tie as well.
“It feels comfortable. It will not be my look on the sidelines. I need a bit more freedom to move around but for the occasion it’s a nice look.
“You will see me stadiums from January. Work starts from the signature. Today was the kick off for the World Cup campaign so it is obvious we have to be there.”
Tuchel is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.
The ex-Bayern Munch manager, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Southgate, said: “There’s no hard feelings for that. Of course, it will always be mixed.
“So now I have to prove myself to the people who are maybe a bit concerned. I must prove to them how much it means to me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give my everything – I’m the man for the job.”
England will face Serbia for only the second time with the only other match coming at Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham scored the winner.
Serbia were fined £25,000 for racist abuse during that game and other matches at the tournament so there will be genuine concerns over potential problems when the team heads to Belgrade.
England’s under-21s also suffered horrific racial abuse when they played in the country in 2012 with Danny Rose attacked.
The Three Lions have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.
Tuchel added: “A difficult group is my first impression. Serbia and Albania, for me, are always known for good individual players and emotional groups, emotional fans, so they are difficult opponents.
“It is the first time England play Latvia, so it is a new experience for all of us and, of course, we are favourites against Andorra, but we need to prove it. We have now eight matches to play, whatever comes we want to be ready for it.”
The draw was incredibly complicated and England could have been put in a group of four which would have meant no qualifiers until September.
Tuchel added: “It was very likely that we got a group five. I want to adapt to everything that is coming, not complain, not look for excuses and not expect or wish for something.
“The most important thing is we focus fully on the qualification and we take it seriously and give it our respect and prove a point that we want to go to the USA.”