Thomas Tuchel appoints former Ireland coach as England assistant manager

Tuchel has appointed Barry as his assistant coach.

Tuchel, 51, has named Anthony Barry as his assistant manager. Barry previously worked with the German at Chelsea and Bayern Munich. He is currently working as a coach with Portugal under Roberto Martinez and had a spell as Ireland coach under Stephen Kenny.

Tuchel, the former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund boss, was last in charge at Bayern Munich. He joined the German club late in the 2022/23 season but left at the end of the campaign.

The Football Association confirmed Tuchel’s appointment on Wednesday morning.

Lee Carsley, the current England interim manager, stepped up after Gareth Southgate's departure following Euro 2024.

Carsley, who is the England Under-21 coach, acknowledged the need for a "world-class coach" to lead the England team, paving the way for Tuchel’s appointment.

The German has a strong track record, including leading Chelsea to a Champions League victory in 2021.

Carsley will remain in charge until the end of England’s Nations League group stage, which concludes next month with a match against Ireland at Wembley.

In a statement, Tuchel expressed his pride in leading the England team, citing his personal connection to English football.

He described the role as a privilege and expressed excitement about working with the talented squad. He also thanked the FA for their trust and is eager to start his journey as England's head coach.

"I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team," the former Bayern Munich boss said. "I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.

"To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.

"Working closely with Anthony as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud. I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together."

Tuchel's right-hand man, Anthony Barry, said: "For any Englishman in football, working with the national team is the pinnacle and I didn’t hesitate when Thomas asked me to come and join him again.

"I know what a great place St. George’s Park is and how much of an advantage it gives our England teams, and the support it gives to coaches.

"This squad is very talented and have done so much to bring the country together, I look forward to meeting and working with them on this exciting project."

Speaking to The Times last year, Barry spoke about his close relationship with the German.

"I have no embarrassment to say that I fell in love with him as a person," Barry said.

"He quickly became a friend and role model. From a working point of view we have similar ideas. He has spent so much time to help me develop as a young coach."