Sir Gareth Southgate to ‘stay out of way and allow Thomas Tuchel to do his job’

Sir Gareth Southgate is planning to “stay out of the way” as Thomas Tuchel prepares for his first match as England manager.

Tuchel will take charge of the side for the first time on Friday in the World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley having been announced as the successor to Southgate in October.

Southgate’s eight-year tenure ended last summer following England’s loss to Spain in the final of the European Championship, and he spoke about his experiences and reflections in giving The Richard Dimbleby Lecture on the BBC.

Asked afterwards by former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein what advice he would give Tuchel, Southgate said: “I’ve already decided, I think the best way I can help the next England manager is to stay out of the way.

“Because you know how difficult the job is and you know that any comment you make can create a headline, can create more pressure for the person that’s in post.

“I’ve had my time, I loved it, I’m not missing too much of it at the moment, but I think it’s important I stay out of the way and allow Thomas to do his job.”

Tuchel’s second match is also at Wembley against Latvia on Monday, with the German attempting to build on Southgate’s success in guiding England to two major finals.