5 things about Thomas Tuchel’s England assistant Anthony Barry

New England manager Thomas Tuchel has named English coach Anthony Barry as his number two.

Here, the PA news agency details five things about the national team’s new assistant boss.

Journeyman playing career

Liverpool-born Barry, 38, had an unheralded playing career as a midfielder in the lower divisions. He progressed through the Everton youth ranks but was released at 18 and went on to play at Coventry, Accrington, Yeovil, Fleetwood, Forest Green, Chester and Wrexham.

Catching Lampard’s eye

Barry began his coaching career when he joined Paul Cook’s backroom staff at Wigan in 2017. He stayed with the Latics for three years before being taken to Chelsea by Frank Lampard, whom he had crossed paths with while studying for his Pro-Licence. Lampard soon departed but he stayed on at Stamford Bridge to work under his successors Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Attention to detail

Barry’s big break came with a dissertation he wrote for his Pro-Licence. His detailed analysis of 16,380 throw-ins made a mark on Lampard and he has since gone on to establish himself as a set-piece expert.

Strong bond with Tuchel

Tuchel was impressed by Barry at Chelsea and the pair developed a strong friendship during a period in which they won the Champions League. Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea in September 2022 but returned for Barry when he was appointed at Bayern Munich the following year. England will be their third job together.

International experience

It will not be Barry’s first foray into international football, having briefly worked with the Republic of Ireland and also under Roberto Martinez with both Belgium and Portugal.