Thomas Tuchel confirms he will stay with England until Euro 2028 as Harry Kane prepares to break the appearance record and celebrate his 2026 Ballon d'Or.
Thomas Tuchel Rules Out England Exit Before Euro 2028 as Harry Kane Prepares to Make History
Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving his position as England manager before Euro 2028, insisting that he remains fully committed to helping the Three Lions end their long wait for a major international trophy. The German coach, who took charge of the national team in January 2025, confirmed that his contract with the Football Association contains no release clause and dismissed suggestions that an attractive offer from a major European club could persuade him to leave before the tournament.
Speaking ahead of England's UEFA Nations League encounter against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, Tuchel explained that he wants to complete the project he began with the national team. His current agreement runs until the conclusion of Euro 2028, which England will co-host, and the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager believes there is still important work to accomplish. After England suffered defeats in the European Championship finals of 2021 and 2024, Tuchel is determined to provide the country with another opportunity to compete for continental glory.
The manager's comments arrive during a period of considerable speculation surrounding several high-profile coaching positions, including Manchester United, where Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with replacing Michael Carrick. However, Tuchel insists that his own circumstances are different and that he has no desire to abandon his international responsibilities. Although he openly admits missing the intensity of club football, he believes his current position offers an opportunity to achieve something particularly meaningful.
Thursday's encounter against Croatia will also be a historic occasion for England captain Harry Kane, who is expected to make his 126th international appearance and become the most-capped player in the history of the men's national team. The Bayern Munich striker, who won the 2026 Ballon d'Or in October, will be honoured at Wembley before the match, creating a memorable evening for both the player and supporters.
Thomas Tuchel Confirms He Will Stay With England Until Euro 2028
Tuchel's future has attracted increasing attention following speculation about managerial changes at several major European clubs. The German has enjoyed considerable success throughout his coaching career, including Champions League glory with Chelsea, and his experience continues to make him an attractive option whenever an important position becomes available.
However, the England manager has now moved to end uncertainty about his immediate future. Asked whether his agreement with the Football Association contained a release clause that would allow him to leave before Euro 2028, Tuchel confirmed that no such provision exists. More importantly, he emphasised that he has no intention of seeking an early departure.
The 53-year-old explained that signing his latest contract represented a commitment to the national team's long-term objectives. He wants to lead England into the next European Championship and believes the squad has the quality required to compete seriously for the title.
Tuchel was equally firm when asked whether an offer from a leading European club could change his position. While acknowledging that circumstances in football can evolve, he indicated that he expects to remain with England throughout his current agreement. His comments provide reassurance to the Football Association as preparations gradually begin for a tournament that will carry exceptional importance for the country.
Euro 2028 will take place across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with England staging several major fixtures, including the final at Wembley. The opportunity to compete for the European title on familiar territory represents a particularly attractive objective for Tuchel, especially given the national team's recent history of reaching major finals without securing the trophy.
For the German manager, the challenge is not simply to maintain England's position among Europe's strongest teams. He wants to develop a squad capable of handling the pressure associated with major knockout matches, making decisive improvements when required and ultimately converting the country's considerable talent into international success.
Unfinished Business After England's Recent Tournament Disappointments
Tuchel's determination to remain in charge is closely connected to England's experiences at recent international tournaments. The Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2020, which was played in 2021, before losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley. Three years later, England returned to the European Championship final but suffered another disappointment, losing 2-1 to Spain in Berlin.
Those defeats reinforced the frustration surrounding a national team that has consistently demonstrated the ability to reach the latter stages of major competitions without securing a second senior men's international trophy. England's only World Cup triumph came in 1966, and successive generations have attempted to reproduce that achievement without success.
Tuchel inherited a squad containing several established international stars alongside an emerging generation of highly talented young players. His responsibility has involved developing a clear tactical identity while ensuring that England can compete effectively against the strongest opponents in international football.
The German led England to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where the team suffered a painful defeat against Argentina. Although reaching the last four represented another strong tournament performance, the elimination meant England once again fell short of reaching a major final.
The disappointment created pressure on Tuchel, but the Football Association responded by reinforcing its confidence in the manager. Rather than moving towards another coaching change, senior officials made clear that they believed he remained the right person to guide England towards Euro 2028.
That backing has been important to Tuchel, who has repeatedly emphasised the value of working in an environment where relationships between the coaching staff and senior management are built on trust. He has praised the support received from the Football Association and expressed satisfaction with the attitude of his players, suggesting that the current atmosphere provides a strong foundation for future progress.
The manager is particularly encouraged by the opportunity to work with a group that combines experience with exceptional potential. Established figures such as Kane, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham provide leadership, while younger players continue emerging and competing for places in the squad. Finding the right balance between those different generations will be an important element of England's preparation for Euro 2028.
Tuchel Admits He Still Misses the Intensity of Club Football
Although Tuchel has committed himself to England, he has not attempted to hide his affection for the daily demands of club management. The German spent much of his career working in environments where preparation, training and competitive matches followed an almost uninterrupted rhythm throughout the season.
His previous appointments at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich provided opportunities to compete regularly for domestic and European trophies. Those experiences required constant tactical adjustments, detailed preparation and the ability to respond quickly to results, creating a working environment very different from international football.
Managing a national team involves extended periods between matches, with players spending most of their time at their clubs. Training camps are relatively short, and coaches must communicate tactical ideas efficiently while adapting to the physical condition of players arriving from different competitions.
Tuchel acknowledged that he misses being involved in approximately 50 competitive matches every season. He also spoke about the emotional intensity associated with winning at club level, particularly the final moments of an important victory when the result is effectively secured and the atmosphere inside the stadium becomes unforgettable.
The German described those moments as among the most enjoyable experiences of his managerial career. For a coach accustomed to working under intense pressure, the combination of a packed stadium, an approaching final whistle and the satisfaction of seeing a team's work rewarded remains particularly appealing.
Nevertheless, Tuchel also recognised that the demanding club schedule has disadvantages. Playing every few days creates considerable pressure on managers and players, leaving limited time for detailed training and recovery. International management offers a different rhythm, allowing coaches to concentrate on specific objectives and prepare for major tournaments over an extended period.
The England manager therefore sees no contradiction between missing club football and remaining committed to his current position. He has indicated that he expects to return to club management at some stage, but that possibility belongs to the future rather than his immediate plans.
For now, his focus remains on the Nations League and Euro 2028, two competitions that could provide opportunities to add another important achievement to his coaching career.
England Prepare for Crucial Nations League Clash Against Croatia
Before attention turns towards Euro 2028, Tuchel has important objectives in the current UEFA Nations League campaign. England host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday knowing that a positive result would secure their place in the quarter-finals and maintain their hopes of finishing first in Group A3.
The Three Lions currently occupy second place with nine points from four matches, three behind leaders Spain. Croatia are third with three points, while the Czech Republic remain bottom without a point.
England have won three of their four group fixtures, demonstrating encouraging consistency following their World Cup disappointment. Their most impressive performance came in October, when they recorded a remarkable 7-0 victory away to Croatia in Rijeka.
That result represented one of the standout performances of Tuchel's tenure, with England combining attacking efficiency and defensive organisation to overwhelm an experienced Croatian team. However, the manager has warned his players against assuming that Thursday's return encounter will follow a similar pattern.
Croatia are expected to approach the match with considerable determination after suffering such a heavy defeat on home soil. Tuchel believes the visitors will be motivated to demonstrate that the previous result was an exception rather than an accurate reflection of the difference between the teams.
The England manager has therefore demanded the same intensity and concentration that produced the convincing victory in October. He wants his players to focus on maintaining their tactical discipline rather than attempting to reproduce the scoreline through excessive attacking ambition.
A draw would be sufficient to guarantee England a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. However, victory remains the preferred objective because it would keep pressure on Spain ahead of Sunday's final group fixture between the two countries in Madrid.
Tuchel is particularly interested in using the Nations League as an opportunity to develop the competitive mentality required for major tournaments. Facing strong international opponents under pressure provides valuable experience, especially for younger players who could become important figures during Euro 2028.
Harry Kane Set to Break England Appearance Record at Wembley
While Tuchel's future has dominated discussions about the England coaching position, Thursday's encounter will also mark one of the most important individual milestones in the history of the national team. Harry Kane is expected to earn his 126th international appearance against Croatia, moving ahead of legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton to become England's most-capped men's player.
Shilton finished his international career with 125 appearances, establishing a record that had remained unmatched since 1989. Kane equalled that figure during England's October Nations League encounter against the Czech Republic, and his next appearance will take him clear at the top of the all-time rankings.
Tuchel has confirmed that Kane will start the match as captain, ensuring that the historic achievement takes place in front of the Wembley supporters. The Football Association has also organised a special presentation before kick-off, with Shilton expected to participate in honouring the striker.
The milestone is particularly remarkable because Kane has reached it while maintaining an exceptional goalscoring record. Unlike many players whose international appearances accumulate through defensive or midfield positions, the Bayern Munich forward has consistently carried the responsibility of leading England's attack.
His international career began on March 27, 2015, when he made his senior debut against Lithuania at Wembley. Kane entered the pitch as a substitute for Wayne Rooney and scored after only 79 seconds, immediately providing a memorable introduction to international football.
More than eleven years later, the striker remains central to England's ambitions. His movement, finishing ability and intelligence around the penalty area have made him a reliable source of goals, while his experience has helped him develop into one of the team's most important leaders.
Kane has represented England at eight major international tournaments and has played under several different managers, adapting to changing tactical systems while maintaining remarkable consistency. His longevity is especially impressive given the physical demands placed on modern forwards, who are expected to contribute not only through goals but also through pressing, defensive work and involvement in attacking construction.
Reflecting on the approaching record, Kane emphasised that the achievement represents years of dedication rather than simply a large number of appearances. He pointed towards the work carried out away from matches, including physical preparation, recovery routines and the discipline required to remain available for selection over such an extended period.
For the England captain, becoming the country's most-capped men's player will rank among the most meaningful achievements of his career. However, he has made clear that reaching the milestone does not mean he is approaching the end of his international ambitions.
Kane to Present 2026 Ballon d'Or After Historic Year
The occasion will be even more memorable because Kane is also preparing to celebrate his recent Ballon d'Or triumph with England supporters. The Bayern Munich striker was named the world's best male footballer in October, becoming the first English winner of the prestigious individual award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The distinction recognised an extraordinary period in which Kane combined individual goalscoring achievements with consistently impressive performances for club and country. During the 2025/26 season, he scored 73 goals across all competitions, including 61 for Bayern Munich and 12 for England.
Those figures demonstrated the striker's remarkable consistency and helped establish him among the most productive forwards in world football. His ability to score through different situations, whether from inside the penalty area, from the penalty spot or through intelligent movement behind defenders, has remained central to his success.
Winning the Ballon d'Or also represented an important personal achievement for a player who has spent much of his career competing against some of the most celebrated attacking talents of his generation. Despite his exceptional goalscoring numbers, Kane had previously experienced disappointment in major individual award ceremonies.
The 2026 award therefore provided recognition for years of consistent excellence, while reinforcing his importance to Bayern Munich and the England national team.
Before Thursday's match, Kane will present the trophy to supporters at Wembley, combining the celebration of his individual achievement with the historic appearance record. Tuchel believes the occasion will provide a special atmosphere, although he has reminded the captain that the competitive importance of the match must remain the priority.
The England manager wants Kane to enjoy the recognition before quickly turning his attention towards Croatia. With qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals still to be secured, the striker's leadership and goalscoring ability could prove essential once the celebrations have concluded.
Harry Kane Targets 100 England Goals After Reaching 91
Beyond the appearance record, Kane has already established himself as England's most prolific goalscorer. The Bayern Munich forward has scored 91 times for the national team, placing him comfortably ahead of Wayne Rooney, who previously held the record with 53 goals.
Kane surpassed Rooney's total in March 2023 when he scored against Italy in a European Championship qualifier. Since then, he has continued extending his advantage, reaching a total that would have been difficult to imagine when he made his international debut in 2015.
The striker is now targeting another historic achievement: becoming the first England men's player to score 100 international goals.
With nine goals separating him from the milestone, Kane believes it represents a realistic objective if he continues performing at his current level. He has refused to establish a fixed limit on what he can achieve, explaining that his physical condition and motivation remain strong.
His desire to reach 100 goals also reflects the competitive mentality that has characterised his career. Despite already holding several national records and winning one of football's most prestigious individual awards, Kane continues searching for new targets capable of motivating him.
The England captain has also spoken about the importance of setting an example for younger teammates. As one of the most experienced members of the squad, he believes that maintaining high training standards and demonstrating commitment every day can encourage emerging players to adopt a similar approach.
That leadership role has become increasingly important as England introduce another generation of talented footballers. Players such as Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have developed into established internationals, while other promising individuals continue competing for opportunities within Tuchel's squad.
Kane wants to contribute to that development by sharing his experience and maintaining the professional standards that have allowed him to remain at the highest level for more than a decade.
Nevertheless, the striker's greatest ambition remains winning a major trophy with England. Individual records provide important recognition, but the disappointment of losing European Championship finals and experiencing difficult World Cup eliminations continues to motivate him.
Tuchel and Kane Share Ambition to Win Euro 2028 With England
The commitment expressed by Tuchel and the ambition demonstrated by Kane underline the importance of Euro 2028 to the current England squad. Both men have experienced major tournament disappointment, and both believe the national team possesses the quality required to challenge for international honours.
For Tuchel, the tournament represents the central objective of his current contract. The German has made clear that he wants to remain in charge until the competition and is determined to build a team capable of performing effectively when the pressure reaches its highest level.
For Kane, Euro 2028 could provide another opportunity to secure the major international title that has so far eluded him. The England captain will be approaching his 35th birthday when the tournament begins, but his continued fitness and exceptional goalscoring form suggest that he remains determined to play an important role.
The possibility of competing for the European Championship on home soil adds further significance. Wembley hosted England's painful defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final, and returning to the same stadium with an opportunity to celebrate a major international triumph would represent an extraordinary moment for the country.
However, Tuchel understands that success cannot be guaranteed by individual talent or the advantage of playing familiar surroundings. England must continue improving tactically, developing stronger relationships between players and demonstrating the ability to manage decisive moments during knockout matches.
The Nations League provides an important opportunity to make that progress. Thursday's encounter against Croatia and Sunday's meeting with Spain will test the squad against experienced international opponents, allowing Tuchel to assess the team's development while pursuing another competitive objective.
For now, England's immediate focus remains on securing qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals. The team need only one point from their final two group matches to guarantee progression, but Tuchel wants his players to approach both encounters with the ambition of winning.
Thursday's match promises to be an emotional evening, with Kane preparing to become England's most-capped men's player while presenting his Ballon d'Or trophy to the Wembley crowd. Yet the occasion also represents another step towards the longer-term ambitions shared by the captain and his manager.
Tuchel's message about his future has been clear: he remains committed to England and wants to complete the journey towards Euro 2028. Kane, meanwhile, continues breaking records while pursuing the 100-goal milestone and another opportunity to win a major international trophy. Together, they represent the experience, determination and ambition at the heart of England's plans as the national team attempts to transform years of near misses into lasting success.
