Thomas Tuchel to Meet with FA Over Commitment to Appoint an Ethnic Minority Coach for England’s Backroom Team Ahead of January Start

The Football Association (FA) is preparing for important discussions with Thomas Tuchel about ensuring diversity within his coaching staff when he takes over as England’s head coach.

A key issue on the table is the FA’s long-standing commitment to appointing an ethnic minority coach to the national team’s backroom team.

Concerns About Ethnic Minority Representation in Tuchel’s Staff

As interim head coach, Lee Carsley has confirmed that Ashley Cole will return to the Under-21 team after England’s upcoming match against Ireland on Sunday.

This development has raised questions about the future of ethnic minority representation, especially regarding Tuchel’s staff when he officially begins his role on January 1.

Under Gareth Southgate’s tenure, the England backroom team included coaches like Chris Powell, Paul Nevin, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, all of whom were of BAME background.

Joleon Lescott, another BAME figure, has also worked alongside Carsley during his interim period.

Tuchel’s Backroom Team Still Taking Shape

So far, Tuchel’s backroom team is still taking shape, with only Anthony Barry confirmed to be joining him.

The FA is also looking into appointing Chelsea’s goalkeeper coach Hilario, a Portuguese national, to the team.

However, the FA has emphasized that it will raise the issue of ethnic minority representation with Tuchel before he begins his role in January.

The FA’s Commitment to Diversity in Football

The FA has shown a strong commitment to diversity through its Elite Coaching Placement Programme (ECCP), which was launched in 2018 in collaboration with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

The initiative is aimed at offering coaching opportunities to individuals from BAME backgrounds, with the goal of increasing diversity in top-tier football.

If Tuchel’s staff does not include an ethnic minority coach for the World Cup 2026 campaign, it will raise questions about the FA’s commitment to this diversity initiative, particularly as they appoint a foreign national to lead the England team.

Looking Ahead

As the FA continues to navigate these discussions, the choice of Tuchel’s coaching staff will be closely scrutinized.

The outcome could have significant implications for the future of diversity within the England national team, particularly as they work to build a staff that reflects the diversity of the nation itself.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn