Thomas Tuchel is already shaping his backroom team as he prepares to take the reins as England manager, and he’s turned to familiar faces from his Chelsea days. Goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilário has stepped down from his long-term role at Stamford Bridge to join Tuchel when he officially begins his tenure with the Three Lions on January 1.
Hilário, who worked alongside Tuchel during his successful spell at Chelsea, including their 2021 Champions League triumph, will take over as England’s goalkeeping coach. The 49-year-old Portuguese, capped once for his country, will replace Martyn Margetson, who departed following Gareth Southgate’s exit.
Tuchel’s 18-month contract as England manager runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup, and his support staff will also feature other former Chelsea colleagues. Assistant coach Anthony Barry and performance analyst James Melbourne, both of whom have left their roles with the Blues, will join Tuchel’s England setup.
Hilário’s ties to Chelsea run deep. The former goalkeeper spent eight years at the club as a player, winning two FA Cups before retiring in 2014. He returned in 2016 under Antonio Conte and remained a mainstay in the coaching ranks until his resignation. Last month, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the FA’s interest in Hilário, stating the club would respect his decision.
“We are open-minded in terms of allowing people to take chances,” Maresca said. “Also, we are happy to keep people that want to stay. The ones that want to go, they can go.”
The Football Association is expected to confirm Tuchel’s full coaching team soon. However, interim head coach Lee Carsley will not feature, as he resumes his role with the Under-21 side. Former England assistants Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott are also not part of Tuchel’s plans.
Carsley, who led England to a 5-0 victory over Ireland in his final game as interim boss, issued a positive assessment of the squad Tuchel will inherit. “I think we are in a good position to win the World Cup in 2026,” Carsley said. “We have the talent, the tools, and just need to play them in the right order.”
Carsley expressed confidence that the team has been left in excellent shape, citing a deep player pool and the importance of timing players’ form and fitness for the tournament. “Thomas’s pool of players has increased. The squad is in a fantastic position,” he added.
Tuchel’s arrival comes with high expectations, and his swift assembly of an experienced backroom staff demonstrates his intent to make an immediate impact as he takes charge of England’s quest for international glory.
