Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann insists Thomas Tuchel was lucky to get the England job

Thomas Tuchel is set to make his debut as England manager at Wembley on Friday night, marking the beginning of a new era for the national team as they strive to end a 59-year drought without a major international trophy.

Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann has voiced his opinion on Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as the head coach of the England national team. Lehmann, known for his candid remarks, described Tuchel as “lucky” to have landed the prestigious role, as the England boss.

Lehmann’s comments come amidst skepticism surrounding Tuchel’s ability to lead England to glory. While Tuchel boasts an impressive managerial record, including Champions League triumphs with Chelsea and domestic league titles with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, his tenure at Bayern ended on a less-than-stellar note. Lehmann pointed out that being dismissed by Bayern Munich is no small feat, hinting at potential challenges Tuchel might face in his new role.

Despite his critique, Lehmann dismissed accusations of betrayal leveled against Tuchel by some German football figures. He emphasized the professional nature of coaching, stating that Tuchel’s move to manage England should not be seen as a breach of loyalty but rather as a career opportunity.

Tuchel’s appointment marks a significant moment for England, as he becomes the third foreign manager to take the helm of the national team. With a squad brimming with talent, expectations are high for Tuchel to deliver results, particularly in the upcoming World Cup. However, Lehmann remains skeptical about England’s chances of ending their 59-year wait for a major international trophy under Tuchel’s leadership.

Lehmann addressed the claims made by former Leicester City and Chelsea defender Robert Huth, who admitted that he would not accept a German English manager and went so far as to label him a ‘traitor’. ‘Being called a traitor is not a valid concept,’ Lehmann told talkSPORT. ‘I heard that for the first time from Robert. I like Robert and like sometimes his clear views.

‘It doesn’t make England more likely to win anything, but it’s good for him.’

Tuchel’s first test as England manager is fast approaching, with a match against Albania at Wembley. As fans and pundits eagerly await the start of his tenure, Lehmann’s comments have added an extra layer of scrutiny to the German tactician’s journey. The football world will be watching closely to see if Tuchel can rise above the criticism and lead England to long-awaited glory.