Jeff Stelling 'shocked' by Thomas Tuchel delay and calls out FA with interesting theory no-one has mentioned

Former Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling has blasted Thomas Tuchel's delayed start to his job as England boss and outlined his own theory offering an explanation behind the wait.

Tuchel was confirmed as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor after the latter stood down from the role following this summer's Euro 2024 tournament.

Southgate led the Three Lions to the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the past two World Cups in 2018 and 2022 respectively, as well as the final of the previous two European Championships.

England lost out to Italy on penalties following a 1-1 draw in 2021, while the Three Lions were defeated by Spain 2-1 earlier on this year at the tournament held in Germany.

Lee Carsley later took the job in an interim role and ended his spell in charge with successive victories in the UEFA Nations League against Greece and the Republic of Ireland as they returned to the competition's top tier.

Upon being appointed England head coach, Tuchel said: "I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team. I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.

"To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting."

However, despite being confirmed as England's new head coach back in mid-October, Tuchel does not officially start in his job until January 1 and the decision to delay his start has certainly divided opinion.

The 51-year-old has previously had club roles at the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and most recently Bayern Munich.

And former Soccer Saturday host Stelling has his own theory that has not cropped up elsewhere behind the 'bewildering' decision to delay Tuchel's reign beginning, as he rejected the idea it was anything to do with his past job at the Allianz Arena.

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Stelling explained the Football Association may have wanted to push back Tuchel's start date due to the fact that, if he had began straight away, his first match in charge would have been Greece away, which could have been seen as a potentially difficult opening fixture.

Speaking to Talksport, Stelling said: "It is bewildering, I found it absolutely bewildering.

"There was some stuff coming out about tying up loose ends at Bayern Munich but I can’t believe that’s the real reason behind it.

"I was shocked by it, my theory - and I don’t know if I’m alone in this - Greece away was looking like a tricky game and the last thing England or the FA would want is a new manager starting with a defeat and that was a possibility."

In reality, England ended up beating Greece 3-0 thanks to strikes from Ollie Watkins and Curtis Jones, which was sandwiched by an own-goal from Odysseas Vlachodimos.