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06 Sept 2025

A look at how Thomas Tuchel’s predecessors got on in their first England game

A look at how Thomas Tuchel’s predecessors got on in their first England game

Thomas Tuchel is set to begin his reign as England manager in the World Cup qualifier against Albania on Friday.

Here, the PA news agency reviews how his predecessors got on in their opening match as the nation’s manager.

Gareth Southgate – England 2-0 Malta, October 2016

Gareth Southgate, whose first match was as interim boss before he was given the role permanently, claimed victory courtesy of a Daniel Sturridge header and a Dele Alli strike at Wembley.

Sam Allardyce – Slovakia 0-1 England, September 2016

Sam Allardyce’s only match as England manager came thanks to an Adam Lallana winner in stoppage time in a World Cup qualifier against 10-man Slovakia.

Roy Hodgson – Norway 0-1 England, May 2012

Roy Hodgson’s England opener came in the form of a friendly against Norway where Ashley Young’s strike helped earn a 1-0 victory in Oslo and a first win over the Norwegians in 32 years.

Fabio Capello – England 2-1 Switzerland, February 2008

Goals from Jermaine Jenas and Shaun Wright-Phillips started Fabio Capello’s reign as England boss against Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland – a competition England had failed to qualify for.

Steve McClaren – England 4-0 Greece, August 2006

Steve McClaren guided England to a 4-0 thrashing of European champions Greece at Old Trafford in his maiden match as manager.

Sven-Goran Eriksson – England 3-0 Spain, February 2001

Sven-Goran Eriksson got off to a flyer courtesy of goals from Nick Barmby, Emile Heskey and Ugo Ehiogu at Villa Park.

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