FA want Thomas Tuchel to include coach from ethnic minority in new-look England backroom staff

With Tuchel set to officially begin his role on January 1, the FA is conducting talks over the inclusion of a BME coach within his backroom team, aligning with its commitment to promoting diversity in English football, according to The Telegraph. The FA’s intention to include a BME coach in Tuchel’s staff follows its commitment to the Elite Coaching Placement Programme (ECCP), an initiative launched in 2018 in collaboration with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). This program is designed to increase opportunities for ethnic minorities in top-level football, reinforcing the FA's pledge to create a more inclusive coaching environment across all England teams.

During Gareth Southgate's tenure, former England international Chris Powell was a part of his staff for a period and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink later joined the backroom team, a move that was well-received among players and fans alike. However, following Southgate’s decision to step down, Hasselbaink also left his role, leaving an absence of BME representation on the current senior coaching staff.

Tuchel’s coaching staff so far includes just English assistant, Anthony Barry. Portuguese goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilario, of Chelsea, is a target. The FA has faced significant flak for appointing a German at the helm of the Three Lions and they believe that the addition of a BME coach to Tuchel’s team would demonstrate their ongoing commitment to equity and representation at the highest level. The selection process is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks as the former Chelsea manager will get down to work from January 1, 2025.

Interim England manager Lee Carsley, who has been managing the team in Southgate’s absence, will conclude his tenure following upcoming matches against Greece and Ireland. He is being supported by Ashley Cole but the former defender will also get back to the Under-21 setup, along with Carsley, after the November international break.