Thomas Tuchel was bullish about England’s chances of winning the World Cup after signing a new contract – and insisted that his head wasn’t turned by the prospect of club management.
The FA announced that the German had agreed to remain until 2028 following fears that Manchester United had placed him firmly in the frame for the top job at Old Trafford.
Tuchel believes the clarity over the next contract offers the Three Lions a boost going into the summer and maintained that he hadn’t been plotting a route back into the club game.
‘I’m not sure if they (the FA) were worried,’ Tuchel said. ‘There was no reason to be worried because I was obviously totally focused through the qualification period and right after that we started the talks.
‘I was always committed to this idea of extending the contract, the FA were always committed – there were no games, no second thoughts. The process was very straightforward.
‘It was very important that we didn’t do it just to have calmness during the World Cup but it’s a welcome side effect. Now it’s clear and clarity is always good. We will not get distracted by it.
‘There is a possibility that I will be tempted to go back to club football but not in the next two-and-a-half years.’
Asked if he had held talks with any clubs, Tuchel replied: ‘Confidential. But I was very committed to the idea after November to stay and the FA was as well.’
England face Uruguay and Japan next month in their final friendlies before jetting to a pre-tournament camp in Florida.
And the improvement of the squad has given him added positivity of how far England can go.
‘We believe,’ he said. ‘Of course we believe. We know how difficult it is and of course some other countries will believe as well but we believe that we can play a strong role – and we will go for it.
‘We want to compete for all titles, but we are very aligned in the way we want it, and that was the best feeling you can have as a coach.’
