Thomas Tuchel upheld his promise not to sing the English national anthem, stating he wanted to earn the privilege first.
The German coach led the Three Lions in his first match against Albania at Wembley, remaining silent during “God Save the King.”
This decision was anticipated, as the former Chelsea manager, a Champions League winner with the club, had previously announced his intentions.
Before the game, Tuchel explained, “I feel that it is not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”
“I think, first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem, and I could not be more proud to be on the sidelines and be in charge of the English national team.”
“It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.”
“Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like ‘he should sing it now, he’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”
Tuchel’s return to the sideline marks his first managerial role since departing Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024.
Ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier, he admitted, “It’s a big occasion. I’m a bit nervous, but more excited and happy we get the journey going.”
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By Tom Barclay
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY made history and Harry Kane extended his own record-breaking as England sunk Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first game.
Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut and top goal-getter Kane notched his 70th international strike as Tuchel began his World Cup qualifying campaign with a modest 2-0 win.
New boy Dan Burn partnered Ezri Konsa in central defence at Wembley, while Marcus Rashford and Curtis Jones were also handed starts.
Meanwhile, Tuchel wrestled with the same issue faced by predecessor Sir Gareth Southgate – deciding where to fit in Phil Foden.
Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, slotted home on 20 minutes following a delightful turn and even better pass from Jude Bellingham.
But England stuttered after the break – until skipper Kane classily took down a Declan Rice pass and curved home the clincher.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions in German manager Tuchel’s opening match…
Tuchel’s first starting 11 included nine Premier League players with only Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham playing abroad.
And Tuchel told his side: “Bring the energy that we can have and that the Premier League has.
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“Play on the front foot, try play aggressive and attacking football. We need to be aware defensively as they have good footballers.”
Tuchel watched on as Myles Lewis-Skelly became England youngest-ever debut scorer while Harry Kane wrapped up a 2-0 win.
