Tuchel insists managing at the World Cup is the pinnacle of his career | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel insists managing England in the World Cup will mark the pinnacle of his decorated career.

The German leads the Three Lions into this year’s tournament, his first after taking charge in January 2025, marking the former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich manager’s first foray into international tournament football.

England take on Croatia in their first match of Group L, looking to stamp down a mark and reaffirm neutrals beliefs that they are one of the tournament favourites.

After so much success at club level, the 52-year-old guided England through their qualifying group with ease, and now he is about to walk out at the pinnacle of the sport. It’s something he is very thankful for.

“It’s the biggest stage,” Tuchel said. “It’s the biggest tournament in the world, it’s the biggest competition, the biggest players play in the second tournament. So, this is what it is. 

“I’m grateful that I had the opportunity, I’m grateful that I had people who pushed me and supported me and helped me in my coaching career. I’m grateful to everyone who still helps me, because it’s clearly not a one-man show, so it’s always a team effort. 

“So, I’m just grateful to have the possibility to be head coach of England, to get the experience to coach in a World Cup. I know it comes with responsibility and I want to live up to this responsibility and push the team, prepare the team, support the players to their very best.

“Of course, we dream – I think we have a right to dream, but we don’t want to be delusional. We know that it comes with the responsibility, and the responsibility is on the effort. We want to put the effort in, and then we deserve the outcome.”