Giving England boss a new deal now would be a TUCH too early

THE FA should not even be thinking about giving Thomas Tuchel a new contract as the England head coach until he has achieved what he was given an 18 months to do - namely to win the World Cup in the USA next July.

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England head coach Thomas Tuchel

The 52-year-old German is halfway through the contract that started in January. He has not ruled out signing a new one before the tournament final stages next summer.

There is no formal option and, in fairness, there is not an extension on the table at present. The present short contract was Tuchel’s request.

He seems to be doing a good job but it should be remembered that while England have qualified and are unbeaten in Group K the sides in their World Cup group are not strong.

Serbia, Thursday's opponents at Wembley, are currently the best and are ranked 36 in the FIFA world list. England are fourth behind Spain, Argentina and France in that order.

Albania, who England play away on Sunday in the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana are rated 61st.

Both games are live on ITV.

England have won all six matches, scoring 18 goals and not conceding any. These are their final two qualifying matches.

Albania are currently second and Serbia third. The other two teams, Latvia and Andorra, are already both eliminated.

Tuchel is an interesting character with obvious management ability and is clearly enjoying the job. But he was brought in to win the World Cup and I will be amazed if he pulls it off.

England's best progress has always been in Europe. They have never got past the quarterfinal stage in other continents.

I would always want to see an English head coach in charge of the national team.

Sir Alf Ramsey won it in 1966 and Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Gareth Southgate led England to losing semifinals.