London, Feb 12 (IANS) England coach Thomas Tuchel has extended his stay with the team, as he has signed a new contract with the Three Lions, which will keep him in charge of England’s football team till the Euro 2028.

A former German player who has previously coached top clubs like Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain during his decade-long coaching career, took charge of England in January last year for a brief period of 18 months and will now remain with the team till summer 2028.

Under Tuchel’s leadership, England dominated the qualifications for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, as they remained unbeaten and finished at the top of their group. England did not concede a single goal in the successful campaign, scoring 20, and has now been ranked in the world’s top five for seven and a half years.

Tuchel felt happy extending his contract and said he has fallen in love with his role.

“I’m very pleased. It was I in the beginning who wanted a short-term contract only for 18 months because I was not sure what was coming in international football; how fast can I adapt, and what is the job all about? But very soon, I fell in love with the job and the role, and I was from the first day very committed and very proud,” he said in a statement released by the club.

“Now, I felt in the last half-year – especially with what we’re building and the spirit growing and creating a special bond between the players and having extraordinary results – it’s just a pleasure to extend and try to complete the full cycle of two tournaments,” he added.

Tuchel’s main challenge will be to help England win the FIFA World Cup Trophy after 60 years. England have won only one trophy so far, in 1966, and they would like to end the wait when they start their campaign in the 2026 World Cup on June 17 against Croatia.

England Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham explained the reason behind extending the contract. He also welcomed Tuchel’s decision to stay with the team till 2028.

“I am delighted Thomas has committed to stay with us through to the Euros in 2028. He was the right person for the job when he joined us for the World Cup campaign, and he has only strengthened his reputation across the qualifiers. We know the players are right behind him, and the togetherness within the group is there for all to see,” the England Football Association CEO said in a statement released by the team.

“There is simply no better candidate available in world football. With his big-game experience, knowledge, and passion, he gives the squad the very best chance for success – this summer and with the once-in-a-generation EURO being hosted on these shores in two years’ time,” he added.

–IANS

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