Thomas Tuchel: ‘No release clause’ in England contract as Pochettino nears Man Utd

England head coach Thomas Tuchel says there is no release clause in his contract and he has no intention of leaving before Euro 2028.

He was asked about it because Manchester United are closing in on Mauricio Pochettino, whose deal with the United States includes a release clause of about £7.5m. Asked whether he had a similar way out, Tuchel was firm.

“There’s no release clause. And there’s no intention,” he said. “I signed the contract. I want to stay until the Euros. I want to do the Euros. We have unfinished business.”

Thomas Tuchel rules out a big-club exit

According to The Mirror, Tuchel was then asked whether there was zero chance he would quit, even if a major club came calling. “I would say so,” he replied.

The FA extended his contract to the end of Euro 2028 in February, as The Telegraph also reports. His assistant Anthony Barry and the rest of his core staff signed on until 2028 too. The Mirror says the deal is worth about £5m a year.

His position contrasts with Pochettino’s. Pochettino signed a new US contract in August, after the World Cup, but United have now made formal contact with US Soccer to trigger his clause. Harry Kane has already given his verdict on Pochettino at Man Utd.

Open to staying beyond Euro 2028

Tuchel also left the door open to a longer stay. Asked whether 2028 would be the end of his time in charge, he said: “That’s the end of my contract.” Pressed on whether he would stay on after the Euros, he added: “I’m open for everything.”

He praised the FA for backing him early. He said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and chief football officer Dan Ashworth made their commitment “very early in person” during the World Cup.

When the extension was announced in February, Bullingham confirmed it included performance conditions linked to the World Cup. The Mirror reports that this clause was removed once England reached the semi-finals, where they lost to Argentina.

Tuchel admits he misses club football

Tuchel admitted he would like to return to club management one day, and spoke about the moment just before kick-off.

“Yes. Definitely. I miss the 50 matches. I miss these two minutes when everything is done. You go out two minutes before the whistle goes. It’s like the best two minutes,” he said.

“You’re in a full stadium. Lights are on and you’re just so excited and you’re part of it. That’s actually the two minutes where I realise how lucky and how grateful I am.”

He also admitted those moments “don’t feel so good” when a club side is struggling. For now, he said, he is “in a good place” with England.

What it means for England

For England, it is welcome clarity. The Guardian says Tuchel sounds energised after a bright start to the Nations League campaign, and the FA does not appear to face the kind of approach US Soccer is dealing with.

Tuchel also said he would like England to host next summer’s Nations League finals as a warm-up for the home Euros. England would first need to come through the quarter-finals in March to reach the final four.

Before then, England host Croatia at Wembley on Thursday. Find out how to watch England vs Croatia, and how to watch Spain vs England in Madrid on Sunday, the game expected to decide who tops the group.

Whatever happens at Old Trafford, England’s head coach says he is staying. For more of the latest, head to our football news hub.

Thomas Tuchel FAQ

Does Thomas Tuchel have a release clause in his England contract?
No. Tuchel says there is no release clause and no intention to leave before Euro 2028.

When does Thomas Tuchel’s England contract end?
At the end of Euro 2028. The FA extended his deal in February 2026.

Who do England play next?
Croatia at Wembley on Thursday, then Spain in Madrid on Sunday 15 November.