Sporting his signature blue cap, Thomas Tuchel navigated the bustling crowd at St Pancras on Thursday afternoon, embarking on a brief trip to Brussels. His visit to Belgium was set to last less than six hours.

Standing tall, the England manager’s headgear did little to conceal him as he boarded the Eurostar, heading to a Nations League draw that seems distant in the future.

The draw, which placed England against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, was not something many foresaw in Tuchel’s trajectory. However, the recent announcement of his contract extension through 2028 has shifted expectations.

Modern contracts often include break clauses, and while FA chief executive Mark Bullingham refrained from discussing specifics, Tuchel shared his unexpected bond with the team. This connection intensified during the last international break, prompting both sides to explore extending their collaboration.

“Both parties wanted to see this cycle through,” Tuchel explained. “We aimed to commit to a full cycle of the World Cup and Euros. Our goal is to compete for all titles, and we’re very aligned in our approach, which is an ideal scenario for any coach.”

Thomas Tuchel has extended his contract as England head coach past the World Cup this summer and through 2028

The German manager spoke highly of his connection with his players in the national team

Tuchel has caught the eye of admirers beyond England, having been considered for the Manchester United position over the summer. Although the prospect of returning to club management is enticing, he stated, “Not for two-and-a-half years.”

Asked if he had spoken to any suitors, he added: ‘Confidential. But I was very committed to the idea after November to stay.

‘The World Cup was my initial thought, an 18-month contract, but when we started talking again it felt the FA were ready to commit and I was absolutely ready to commit. I had to get to know the job. I didn’t know exactly what was coming. September, October, November was the period where I felt the strongest connection to the players and job itself.’

Tuchel appeared content with his lot on Thursday, smirking when emphasising that it was Croatia ‘again’ in their Nations League group while pointing out how difficult the country might find it next September when there are four fixtures to cram in across three weeks – and the lack of Premier League football that represents.

He spoke glowingly of the opportunities for Kobbie Mainoo to break back into the fold, having not played internationally since 2024, and namechecked Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire as possible gatecrashers were Manchester United to continue improving under Michael Carrick. The defenders are ‘suddenly back in the picture’ because ‘they play a back four’.

But there are worries that will doubtless be festering – Jude Bellingham being the largest of those. The hamstring injury sustained at the beginning of the month, one that reduced him to tears during victory over Rayo Vallecano, had looked to keep him out for around a month yet Real Madrid appear considerably more pessimistic about the timeline now.

The FA are in contact with Bellingham and waiting nervously to ascertain whether he is capable of joining up when they face Uruguay and Japan for the home friendlies at the end of March – a crucial week or so, the last meet before the pre-tournament camp in Florida.

‘The club is a bit more defensive on the outlook regarding the weeks of his recovery,’ Tuchel said. ‘Jude is pushing, and as we know him, he is determined and super professional. He will try everything to be with us in March.

Tuchel is delighted to have English stars like Kobbie Mainoo back fit and firing in the league

‘Whatever we can do for him, we will help and support him. It is a little race against time. Personally, I am optimistic, but I am not sure.’

As well as United, Bellingham’s club are likely to need a new head coach in the summer. Tottenham too you’d imagine. And there will be others, Pep Guardiola’s future not cast in stone at Manchester City.

The FA were certainly smart in negotiating quickly after a flawless World Cup qualifying campaign, with the performances during the last camp going close to what Tuchel envisaged when he breezed in last year.

‘I’m not sure if they (the FA) were worried,’ he said. ‘There was no reason to be worried because I was obviously totally focused through the qualification period and right after that we started the talks. I was always committed to this idea of extending the contract, the FA were always committed – there were no games, no second thoughts. The process was very straightforward.’