Thomas Tuchel will officially take charge of the Three Lions on January 1, with interim coach Lee Carsley set to step down after Sunday’s Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland
Harry Kane is backing new England boss Thomas Tuchel to become the nation’s favourite German.
Tuchel will officially take charge of the Three Lions on January 1, with interim coach Lee Carsley set to step down after Sunday’s Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland.
The 51-year-old’s appointment has split the country, with many fans believing the national team should be managed by an Englishman. But Kane, who worked with Tuchel at Bayern Munich last season, reckons the former Chelsea boss has what it takes to win the hearts and minds of the supporters. “I think the fans will (back Tuchel),” said the England captain.
“It will be results-dependent, really – and probably the way we’re playing. Ultimately England fans want to win. We all want to win. I think Thomas gives us a great opportunity to do that with his history of winning the Champions Leagues and big major competitions.
“Obviously he knows he’s going to have to – I don’t want to say win the fans over – but obviously he has to produce and that’s by playing style and results. Ultimately, in 19 months, if we win the World Cup together I don’t think anyone’s going to have a problem with him!”
Kane, who has been told by Carsley that he will return to the team after starting Thursday night’s 3-0 win against Greece in Athens on the bench, has been critical of several senior players who dropped out of the squad for two games that would decide England’s Nations League fate.
And the skipper has now warned his team-mates that when Tuchel takes charge he will not be afraid to put the boot into any egos in a bid to get what he wants.
The German was sacked by Bayern at the end of last season after coming third in the Bundesliga and losing to Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League. He has gained a reputation for being ready to take on the biggest names if they fail to bend themselves to his demands.
Kane said: “Thomas is really disciplined in what he wants – and he won’t shy away from confrontation if need be. He gets that balance right of having a relaxed environment when you’re not training, with a bit of banter and a laugh and a joke, but when you’re on the pitch it is full focus.
“For international football, having that energy in short bursts is really important, especially when you get to major tournaments and you’re away for six weeks and you see the same faces all the time.
“You need to make sure you find different ways to motivate and different ways to bring the energy. It’s a great opportunity for him to do something special, something that’s never been done before and I’m sure he’s looking forward to the challenge.”
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