England's new manager Thomas Tuchel says he will 'start learning' national anthem

Thomas Tuchel has told Sky News he will "start learning" the national anthem following questions over whether he will sing it before England games.

The 51-year-old German, who has been officially unveiled as the Three Lions' new head coach, told a news conference he had not yet made up his mind over the issue.

However, speaking afterwards with Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris, Tuchel said: "I will absolutely start learning it.

"I experienced it three times here at Wembley in the cup finals two or three times - it was very moving. I don't want to offend people."

He added: "I will now get a feeling for it, what people think, and what the atmosphere is for that, and take my decision but it will not change my approach on how much I will work in my dream to make it happen."

It comes following a row over current interim manager Lee Carsley, who represented Ireland as a player, after he announced he would not sing God Save The King before Three Lions matches.

Following questions from journalists at an earlier news conference, Tuchel said: "I will take a little bit of time for this decision."

The Football Association revealed during the briefing on Wednesday that it had considered around 10 candidates for the role, which Tuchel will take up in 2025.

The governing body's chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "We interviewed approximately 10 people, we interviewed some English candidates within that. You wouldn't expect me to divulge any more than that."

When asked if any of them turned down the opportunity, Mr Bullingham replied: "Clearly some were more up for the role than others. But we were absolutely delighted to end up with Thomas."

Mr Bullingham added: "We believe he gives us the best chance of winning the World Cup so we believe we got the best candidate for the job."

Before taking the England job, Tuchel had been strongly linked with Manchester United, whose manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure.

Asked about those reports and why he chose England specifically, Tuchel said: "The idea and the way Mark (Bullingham) and John (McDermott, the FA's technical director) presented it was very fast, very exciting, very confidential and trustful.

"It was very straightforward. This was a decision for this job and not a decision against anyone else.

"I will not comment on any other clubs."

In an earlier video message to fans, Tuchel said he was aiming for a "second star" on England's shirt - which can only be achieved by winning the World Cup.

Speaking from Wembley Stadium, the former Chelsea boss said: "I'm quite a bit nervous, this is my first message as England head coach.

"There is a reason to be a bit nervous, I think it is a good thing. I can promise I am very excited and very honoured.

"We will do everything to qualify for the World Cup and then try to get the second star on our shirt."

Read more:
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As it happened: Tuchel news conference live
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Tuchel also said he hoped to win over sceptical fans who believe the Three Lions should only be managed by an Englishman.

He said: "I will do everything to show respect to this role and to this country... no matter what [my] national passport says I am."

Tuchel said he believed the England men's team had the "ingredients" to win their first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.

He also declined to say if Harry Kane, who he managed at Bayern Munich, will remain England captain, saying it was "too early to answer these kinds of questions".

Tuchel's contract lasts for 18 months and was signed last Tuesday, the FA also revealed.

(c) Sky News 2024: England's new manager Thomas Tuchel says he will 'start learning' national anthem