Georgia Stanway believes Thomas Tuchel can be a positive influence on English football after working with the German coach at Bayern Munich.
The Lionesses midfielder, who joined Bayern in 2022, had numerous encounters with Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry during their time with the club and said both coaches made time for the female players.
The Football Association has come under criticism from some quarters for their decision to appoint a foreign manager. But Stanway, who has worked under Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman with the Lionesses, had only positive things to say about the new Three Lions boss.
‘I think it’s great,’ Stanway said. ‘I’ve got a Norwegian manager [at Bayern] as well and it’s just whoever is best for the job and whoever the people feel is suitable for the players.
‘I actually had a few experiences with Tuchel at Bayern and he was really invested and really interested in the women’s game. He wanted to get to know the players, both him and (Anthony) Barry.
Thomas Tuchel has outlined his ambitions to win the World Cup with England in 2026
England Lionesses star Georgia Stanway (pictured) hailed Tuchel’s positivity after previously meeting him
Tuchel and his England assistant Anthony Barry (left) will stat work in their new roles in January
‘I’ve spoken with them a few times and they were just really invested and really nice people. They came to a few games and I’ve seen them at a few events. They’ve always had time for us. So far I can only say good things in terms of the personalities I’ve met.’
It is understood that Tuchel, who does not start his job until January, will not be in attendance at Wembley when the Lionesses play Germany on Friday.
The friendly will be a rerun of the Euro 2022 final, which England won in extra-time, and Stanway admitted there had been talk of the game between herself and her German team-mates at Bayern.
‘It’s funny because when we got sent a message to ask to promote the tickets, me and the German girls were actually at Oktoberfest,’ Stanway joked.
‘So immediately I sent a video saying “come to the game!” with our steins, unfortunately it wasn’t approved by the media [team] so it didn’t make the cut!’
The midfielder has been in superb form at the start of this season, with four goals and two assists in seven league matches.
Stanway joined Bayern in 2022 and had numerous encounters with Tuchel and his assistant at the club
Stanway has starred with the Lionesses under the guidance of a foreign coach in Sarina Wiegman (middle)
Stanway is just 25 years old but with 71 caps is one of the most experienced players in the England team. But the midfielder says it was the move to Bayern that has allowed her to feel more of a leader.
‘I feel like I’ve been able to settle on and off the pitch. Within the first two games I felt comfortable. I had the trust of the players, trust of the manager and I was just able to express myself. From there I’ve just grown and grown and got consistency in my game.
‘At Bayern I’ve been added to their leadership team and named one of the captains. Over the last weeks I’ve worn the armband a few times. It’s probably only the last 12 months where I’ve thought “ok, maybe this is something that comes with the experience”.
‘For me, I understand the tactics, I understand what we want to do and I feel I’m able to communicate that which I think is super important. I want to lead in my consistency and my performance.’
