Former England captain Wayne Rooney expressed shock over the fa’s decision to choose Thomas Tuchel as the national team’s head coach, favouring a non-British manager for the first time since Fabio Capello.

Wayne Rooney has expressed his surprise at the Football Association’s (FA) decision to appoint German coach Thomas Tuchel as England’s next head coach, succeeding Gareth Southgate in January 2025. Tuchel, aged 51, will become the first non-British coach to lead the England men’s football team since Fabio Capello stepped down in 2012. This bold move has stirred debate within the footballing community, with many, including Rooney, believing a homegrown coach was better suited for the role.

Speaking about the FA’s choice, Rooney—currently the manager of Plymouth Argyle and a former England captain—acknowledged Tuchel’s abilities but shared his unexpected reaction: “I think he’s [Tuchel] a very good coach, but surprised the FA have employed him.” Rooney’s shock largely stems from the FA’s long-term focus on nurturing English talent, both in terms of players and coaches. Over the past decade, the organisation has invested heavily in developing a national football infrastructure, particularly through the state-of-the-art facilities at St George’s Park. Rooney himself was involved in this project and has witnessed firsthand the fruits of this strategy.

Rooney’s remarks also come from his own experiences under foreign managers during his England playing career. He played under both Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello, two prominent foreign coaches. While reflecting on his time with these managers, Rooney voiced concerns about having a coach from another country leading the team, particularly in major tournaments where they may face their home nation: “It is slightly different when you go to a World Cup or a European Championship and you’re watching your [foreign] coach watch his home nation,” Rooney commented. He explained how this scenario might create awkward situations and affect the team’s dynamics.

Despite his reservations, Rooney expressed hope for Tuchel’s success with the national team, wishing him the best in leading England forward. He also acknowledged the significant accomplishments under interim boss Lee Carsley, who will continue to lead the side through the upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November. Carsley, who guided England’s under-21s to the European Championship title, represents the strong homegrown managerial talent emerging from the FA’s system.

Under the FA’s vision, England has enjoyed great success at the youth level, including winning the under-20 and under-17 World Cups in 2017. These victories were seen as direct results of the developmental work at St George’s Park, which was built with the specific goal of creating a pathway for both players and managers. With this focus on nurturing English talent, Rooney admitted it was surprising that a foreign coach was selected, especially when the FA had been grooming English coaches for major roles over the last decade.

Thomas Tuchel, known for his tactical acumen and success at top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, now faces the daunting task of maintaining England’s strong performances. His short-term contract with the FA, running until the 2026 World Cup, indicates a period of transition, but also the high expectations surrounding his tenure. England, a team that has often underperformed in major tournaments, will be looking for Tuchel to instil the same intensity and discipline that have defined his club career.

Rooney, England’s record goalscorer with 53 goals—a record broken by Harry Kane in 2023—remains passionate about the national team’s future. Having won 120 caps and participated in six major tournaments, he understands the pressures that come with managing England and the unique dynamics of international football. Rooney’s concern about having a foreign coach managing against his home nation echoes his own experiences, yet he hopes Tuchel’s professionalism will guide England to success.

For Tuchel, this appointment marks a significant milestone. He joins the ranks of only a few foreign managers trusted with leading England’s men’s side. With his vast experience at elite clubs and success in the Champions League with Chelsea, he certainly has the pedigree to bring England closer to international glory. However, whether he can overcome the inherent challenges of leading a national side with deep-rooted expectations and national pride remains to be seen.

As England prepares for this new chapter under Tuchel’s leadership, the focus will shift towards the next Nations League matches and preparations for the 2026 World Cup. While Tuchel’s appointment may have shocked some, including Rooney, it is clear that the FA is seeking a coach with an international pedigree and a proven ability to manage high-pressure situations.