Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is interested in taking the England job if Gareth Southgate leaves his position, according to fresh reports.
The German has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in September, just 16 months after winning the Champions League. At the time of his departure, reports suggested he was keen to stay in England, with his children at school in Surrey.
Southgate's own future is up in the air, with the Euro 2020 finalist coming under pressure during England's winless UEFA Europa League campaign. However, Tuchel's links with the post come against the backdrop of the ex-Paris Saint Germain boss' visa uncertainty.
According to The Telegraph, Tuchel is interested in succeeding Southgate if the opportunity arises. However, no contact has been made with either him or Mauricio Pochettino, another one-time PSG manager who has been linked with the position.
The same report notes that Tuchel is preparing to return to Germany before the end of the year, amid his complicated visa situation. The 49-year-old is awaiting clarity on how long he is permitted to remain in the UK after being sacked by Chelsea in September.
The Telegraph previously reported that, under the terms of Tuchel's post-Brexit Governing Body Endorsement visa, he might only have 90 days to remain in the UK after being relieved of his duties. That would put the deadline at early December, midway through the World Cup, and there are no suggestions of Southgate leaving his own post before the tournament in Qatar.
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Tuchel is said to have received a number of approaches over potential jobs. These include two in England and one in Spain. If he is granted a new visa, this would allow him to resume working in England - either in charge of the national team or a club side.
Current incumbent Southgate will lead England out in Qatar hoping to improve on two impressive tournament performances. The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia before getting all the way to the final of Euro 2020, only to lose on penalties to Italy in the final.
“The England part of my journey as a player and manager has probably been the greatest highlight and the greatest honour for me,” Southgate said in October. “I’m hoping this isn’t the end of it…I’m hoping there’s a few more years ahead.
“I still feel I’ve got a lot of improving to do and hopefully a lot of years ahead. But of course, there’s a lot in the next couple of months that we want to achieve as a start. Beyond that, I’m assuming life will continue and there are a lot of challenges ahead.”
