FA dismiss Manchester United link to Thomas Tuchel England contract renewal

• Mark Bullingham says performance conditions apply to all senior contracts including Thomas Tuchel
• FA rejects suggestion extension linked to Manchester United managerial changes
• England want clarity and stability ahead of the World Cup and beyond

The Football Association has confirmed that performance conditions are attached to Thomas Tuchel’s contract extension as England head coach, while stressing the decision was made to provide long term stability rather than react to events elsewhere.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the German’s new agreement, which runs until the European Championship on home soil in 2028, reflects the organisation’s confidence in his leadership and planning. However, he declined to reveal whether the contract includes a formal break clause after this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at the UEFA Congress in Brussels, Bullingham explained that performance expectations are a standard feature of senior appointments and are not unique to Tuchel.

Every single person has performance conditions in their contract. You would not expect me to go into those. I have them as well. We have appointed him with a view to him being our coach in 2028 and we are really clear that is what we want.

The FA announced on Thursday that Tuchel had agreed to extend his stay, ending months of speculation over his future. Some criticism followed, with suggestions the governing body should have waited until after the World Cup before making a commitment. Bullingham rejected that view, saying uncertainty ahead of major tournaments is not productive.

When you get to the end of any fixed term contract, people naturally start thinking about what comes next. We felt we had a world class coach doing a really good job and we wanted him to carry on. We want to know where we are a few months ahead of a tournament. It gives everyone certainty and removes unnecessary distractions.

Bullingham also dismissed claims that the timing of the extension was influenced by developments at Manchester United, where Ruben Amorim’s recent departure had led to speculation that Tuchel could emerge as a leading candidate.

The conversation evolved very naturally after we qualified. It had nothing to do with Manchester United. We had been discussing this long before that situation developed. From our point of view, it was simply the right time.

Sources have suggested the FA were keen to avoid Tuchel becoming part of a summer managerial market involving several elite coaches. Bullingham acknowledged that continuity was a factor but said the overriding motivation was the belief that Tuchel is the right man to lead England into the next cycle.

He has really enjoyed the job and the rhythm of international football. The time between games allows him to plan and prepare in detail, and he has fully bought into that challenge. We feel this gives us the best possible platform for the World Cup and beyond.

With the extension now confirmed, the FA hopes the focus can return fully to preparations for this summer’s tournament, free from ongoing debate about the manager’s future.