Laura Woods ‘absolutely buzzing’ at Thomas Tuchel appointment

LAURA WOODS is buzzing with England's appointment of Thomas Tuchel.

The former Chelsea boss has been named Gareth Southgate's permanent successor on an 18-month contract.

He will take charge from January and will oversee England's 2026 World Cup qualification campaign and then the finals if the Three Lions qualify.

Woods is delighted by Tuchel's appointment as she believes he is a winner who will bring passion and charm to the role.

She told BetMGM: "I am absolutely buzzing that Tuchel has taken the England job; he is a winner through and through.

"I was a massive fan of his when he was at Chelsea and really liked him at Bayern Munich despite it being a bit rocky for him there.

"He gets the fans onside and he works the media pretty well too. In the past when I’ve interviewed him I’ve always thought he was quite charming. He brings a bit of humour to stale environments. He is exciting, slightly unpredictable and eccentric.

"I really enjoy big characters as managers and I think he’ll garner respect from that group immediately.

"More importantly he knows those players, a few of them personally, and he knows English football. He has international respect. It’s a great appointment."

Tuchel's arrival has not been universally accepted however with some criticising the appointment of a German - the first to manage England.

He was asked about becoming the third foreign boss to be hired England manager after Sven Goran-Eriksson and Fabio Capello.

Tuchel said: "I am sorry I have a German passport!

"But I can tell the supporters I have felt my passion for the Premier League and my passion for the country and how I love to live here and work here.

"Hopefully I can convince them and show them and prove to them I am proud to be the English manager."