The FA caused a stir by appointing Thomas Tuchel as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor, but you’ll notice that the man in the dugout for England’s two games in this international window looks like Lee Carsley.
There’s two reasons for that. Firstly, that’s because it is Lee Carsley in the dugout. And B, Thomas Tuchel’s contract doesn’t actually start until the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Day.
That means interim gaffer Carsley, who is set to return to his role at England Under-21s boss when the German sets down his ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug on his desk at Wembley, will oversee the Three Lions’ final Group B2 games in the Nations League.
Despite being one of the highest-profile managers in Europe thanks to his track record of winning trophies, sections of the English press and some pundits were critical of Tuchel’s appointment because of his nationality.
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If he leads England to World Cup glory in 2026, thus ending the country’s 62 years of hurt, then those very critics will, no doubt, be quick to laud the decision, but that tournament is still a long way off.
In fact, Tuchel’s first job as manager might be a little less glamorous as the Three Lions could be involved in the Nations League promotion/relegation play-offs.
England will face face one of the third-place teams in League A in a two-legged tie next year if they fail to top Group B2, although their destiny is in their own hands after beating Greece 3-0 on Thursday evening to lead the pile heading into the group finale against the Republic of Ireland.
The play-off games would take place on Thursday, 20th March and Sunday, 23rd March.
If England earn automatic promotion by topping Group B2 then Tuchel’s first game as England manager will likely be an international friendly in next March’s window.
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