England moved for Thomas Tuchel amid Manchester United threat

The Football Association swiftly appointed Thomas Tuchel as England coach amid Manchester United's interest.

The FA settled on Tuchel as their preferred candidate once it transpired that Pep Guardiola, their first choice, would not leave City mid-season.

Guardiola was not interviewed for the England role but former Brighton and Chelsea coach Graham Potter was among the candidates who spoke to the FA. The FA passed on Potter and other potential homegrown candidates as they did not believe there was a stellar English option.

The FA wanted a coach with international pedigree to take charge of what they consider to be a world-class squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel has coached Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

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Tuchel also became the frontrunner as the FA feel he is a coach who will command immediate respect from the England players.

That Tuchel was unattached was a major factor in the FA's decision-making process. The 51-year-old left Bayern Munich at the end of last season and was sounded out about replacing United manager Erik ten Hag in the summer.

The FA accelerated plans to appoint Tuchel amid renewed interest from United this month. Tuchel signed a contract last Tuesday - the day after the Manchester Evening News reported he was under serious consideration to succeed Ten Hag.

United refused to clarify Ten Hag's position last week and have not entertained queries about a potential managerial change. An external source suggested Tuchel had a verbal agreement to take over at United but club figures have denied that.