The atmosphere on the ball island ahead of the bronze final between England and France is chaotic and sad. – Of course they want to win over France, at the same time as it is awkward to play for 3rd place.
The criticism of national team manager Thomas Tuchel is massive, but for now, the English Football Association has held on to the idea that he will continue at least until after the European Championship in two years. (to be held in Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
Read: Sell or keep? Arsenal have made their choice about Martin Ødegaard
Shockingly, GMS writes that England considered both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola before choosing Thomas Tuchel. – In our opinion, both would be better.
The headline in the sports newspaper is: Before Thomas Tuhel was hired as England manager, the Football Association considered several surprising names – including a Norwegian Manchester United legend.
Sources state that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was contacted during the FA hunt for Gareth Southgate’s replacement. However, the contact never developed into a formal process, and Solskjaer never became an official candidate for the role.
It is understood that there was an approach when the FA explored several options in the search for a new manager. Although the talks did take place, they never developed significantly – and Solskjaer was never seen as being in the final stages of the recruitment process.
Guardiola also considered
The rapprochement with Solskjaer came at the same time that former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was also being considered by the FA – before they finally decided to sign Tuchel. – Pep Guardiola is said to have been unwilling to quit his job as manager of the Sky Blues in the middle of a season.
The German became the FA’s preferred choice and was named England’s head coach.
Although Solskjaer’s involvement was short-lived, the contact highlights the extensive work that was done behind the scenes while the FA considered several high-profile options.
Solskjaer’s way forward
Solskjaer was most recently manager of Turkish club Besiktas, where he spent eight months as coach in 2025 before leaving the club. The Norwegian had previously been out of management since leaving Manchester United in November 2021, but his name has continued to be linked to several roles. – We think he is weeks away from getting a new job.
FA has no plans to sack Tuchel
The revelation comes as Tuchel’s future has been scrutinised following England’s 2-1 defeat in the World Cup semi-finals to Argentina. Despite the criticism, there is no intention from the FA to make a change of manager.
The plan is still for Tuchel to lead England to the European Championship in 2028 – and the World Cup loss does not change this position.
Tuchel himself reaffirmed his commitment after the loss and insisted that he remains “100 percent” focused on the role – while defending the tactical decisions scrutinized after England relinquished a one-goal lead against Argentina.
Bronze final awaits
England face France in Saturday’s World Cup match for third place in Miami before turning to the next chapter under Tuchel. Although the bronze final gives the Three Lions the opportunity to secure their best World Cup finish since 1966, it is understood that the FA’s support for the German remains unchanged regardless of the outcome.
Wants two World Cup heroes! No Norwegian players at Manchester United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!
