Jens Lehmann has expressed his surprise at England’s decision to appoint Thomas Tuchel as head coach and remains skeptical about his ability to lead the Three Lions to World Cup success in 2026.
The former Germany and Arsenal goalkeeper believes Tuchel’s appointment is an unusual choice, given the deep-rooted football rivalry between England and Germany.
A Controversial Appointment
Tuchel took charge of the England national team in October 2024 following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The move raised eyebrows, as Tuchel, a 51-year-old German tactician, had been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich.
Despite the initial controversy, Tuchel has made a strong start to his tenure, securing consecutive victories over Albania and Latvia at Wembley.
These wins propelled England to the top of Group K in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup in North America. With an upcoming fixture against Andorra in ten weeks, Tuchel will be eager to maintain his perfect record.
Lehmann’s Doubts Over Tuchel’s Ability
Lehmann, a seasoned former goalkeeper who played under Arsène Wenger at Arsenal, remains unconvinced by Tuchel’s appointment. Speaking at the Baller League event in London’s Copper Box Arena, Lehmann admitted he did not see England winning the World Cup under Tuchel.
“We [in Germany] were a bit surprised that the English would take a German to coach their team,” Lehmann told host Mark Goldbridge.
“I don’t think they will become world champions with him. I don’t think, as well, that the Germans will become world champions.”
The former Arsenal star also voiced his skepticism about modern coaching trends, questioning whether national teams should continue hiring foreign managers.
“I’m not convinced about this approach that teams and countries are taking right now, but we will see,” Lehmann said.
“If everybody is taking that route, then maybe it opens up the competition for some new coaching ideas.”
Does Playing Career Define Coaching Success?
Another major point of contention for Lehmann is Tuchel’s background as a player. Unlike footballing icons who transitioned into management, Tuchel never reached the highest levels as a professional player.
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Lehmann compared Tuchel to managers like Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, Vincent Kompany, and Xabi Alonso, arguing that being a world-class player offers a unique advantage in coaching.
“If you look at the best coaches in the world Guardiola, for example, Klopp, and now in Germany, Vincent Kompany is doing a great job, as well as Xabi Alonso what do they have in common? They were world-class players.”
He suggested that managers without top-level playing experience can only succeed to a certain extent before reaching their limit.
“The coaches do well, but only to a certain level, and then it’s over. That’s why I’m not scared that England will become world champions.”
Tuchel’s Tactical Approach and Challenges Ahead
Despite the criticism, Tuchel remains focused on refining England’s gameplay. Following England’s 3-0 victory over Latvia, he acknowledged moments of frustration with his players but emphasized the importance of learning and adapting.
“I was twice a bit frustrated because I felt the opportunity for a high ball in a very high position around Harry [Kane],” Tuchel said.
“Once in central midfield, and I felt like we didn’t take this opportunity to have a high ball and maybe catch them unorganized.”
He reiterated that adapting to a new squad takes time, especially with players adjusting to his philosophy.
“For the first time, I’m coaching most of these players, so I need to understand how they behave, what they like, how they handle stress, and what they do in different game situations. This is a normal learning process.”
England’s World Cup Hopes Under Tuchel
England’s national team has long suffered from high expectations and ultimate disappointment at major tournaments.
Since their 1966 World Cup triumph, the Three Lions have struggled to convert their potential into international glory.
Tuchel, known for his tactical expertise, has an opportunity to change that narrative.
His previous success at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich demonstrates his ability to win at the highest level.
However, managing a national team presents a different challenge. Unlike club football, where managers have daily interactions with players, international coaches must maximize limited time to implement their strategies effectively.
Lehmann’s skepticism is not entirely unfounded. While Tuchel is a master tactician, his success at the international level remains unproven.
England’s squad is filled with talented players, but blending them into a cohesive unit that can compete with powerhouses like Brazil, France, and Argentina will require more than just tactical expertise.
Can Tuchel Prove His Critics Wrong?
Tuchel’s immediate goal will be to maintain England’s winning momentum in the World Cup qualifiers. A strong showing in North America could silence critics like Lehmann and justify the FA’s decision to appoint him.
While doubts remain about his ability to deliver England’s long-awaited World Cup success, Tuchel has already demonstrated his resilience throughout his managerial career. If he can instill a winning mentality and tactical discipline in his squad, the Three Lions may have a genuine chance to compete on the world stage.
The road to World Cup glory is long and uncertain, but Tuchel’s tenure has only just begun. Whether he proves to be England’s missing piece or another near-miss remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—football fans will be watching closely as the drama unfolds.
