Thomas Tuchel will lead England out against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals today
England is preparing for its biggest challenge of the World Cup yet, facing Argentina in the semi-finals today (July 15). The Three Lions will take on the reigning world champions, led by the iconic Lionel Messi, in Atlanta.
Naturally, the charged encounter between the two nations brings back memories of the notorious 1986 quarter-final, when Diego Maradona eliminated England with the ‘Hand of God’ and what many consider the greatest individual goal ever scored.
The England squad is undoubtedly packed with quality players, but tonight’s match could be a nail-biter, with odds pitting the two teams incredibly closely. However, manager Thomas Tuchel has already led the team to success over Croatia, Panama, DR Congo, Mexico and Norway, so there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Tuchel, 52, formally took charge of the national team in January 2025 with one objective: to secure the nation’s first World Cup trophy since 1966. So far, the German has displayed both the tactical acumen and the authoritative leadership demanded on the biggest stage with the recent 2-1 triumph over Norway proving to be a great example. However, fans might be wondering about the leader’s life off the pitch, from his relationships to his salary.
Ex-wife and new relationship
Tuchel’s split with his ex-wife generated significant coverage throughout Germany and further afield during his spell at Chelsea. Tuchel had been married to his wife, Sissi, for 13 years, having tied the knot in 2009 before their divorce in 2022, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Their separation came just months after Sissi had moved to Surrey with the couple’s two children, Emma and Kim, to be nearer to Tuchel during his second campaign at Chelsea. However, by the following April their relationship had collapsed, with the couple reported to have “exhausted all avenues”. The manager then lost his job managing Chelsea less than six months later.
“Sissi and Thomas have tried to avoid splitting, but in the end, there was no other way,” a source told the Mail on Sunday at the time. The source added: “It is very sad, and now it is all about making sure their daughters are the top priority. Papers were lodged last week to get the divorce underway.”
Weeks after his divorce became public, Tuchel reportedly embarked on a new romance with Brazilian mother-of-two Natalie Max. Shortly after their relationship began, the couple were photographed together in Sardinia during the summer of 2022, reportedly staying at a luxurious villa with an eye-watering nightly rate of £20,000.
Tuchel and Max, believed to be 13 years his junior, are understood to have been together since May 2022, with those close to the manager describing them as “very much in love”. Max, who holds a director’s position at consulting firm Natexo, has maintained a low profile since her relationship with Tuchel became public knowledge, although she has been spotted in the stands at various grounds cheering him on.
England salary
In terms of earnings, Tuchel ranks fourth amongst the World Cup 2026 head coaches. He is reportedly pocketing an annual salary of £4.9million as he looks to bring an end to 60 years of hurt for the Three Lions.
The title of highest-paid manager goes to Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is said to command a yearly wage of £8.5m. Appointed in 2025, the celebrated Italian was arguably the most high-profile managerial figure at the World Cup, despite falling short of delivering Brazil’s eagerly anticipated sixth title.
They were knocked out by Norway in the last 16 after a disappointing tournament campaign. Now-former Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann entered the competition as the second-highest earner among coaches, taking home £5.9m per year, while Mauricio Pochettino of the USA ranked third on £5.1m annually.
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