Rooney ‘surprised’ by England’s Tuchel appointment

Rooney, a former England captain and the country’s record goal-scorer, played under both Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He admitted he was expecting the Football Association to choose a homegrown coach this time.

He said: “I think he’s [Tuchel] a very good coach, but surprised the FA have employed him.

“What the FA have built, it’s been a great platform for young coaches coming through, so I’m surprised they haven’t gone in with one of their own.

🗣️ “I think he [Tuchel] Is a very good coach, but surprised that the FA have employed him”

Wayne Rooney shares his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England’s head coach 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/QNkFAPOo5O

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 17, 2024

Interim head coach Lee Carsley, who led the England Under-21s to victory in the European Championship last year, will remain in charge for the upcoming Nations League matches in November.

Rooney’s 120-cap England career saw him score 53 goals, a record surpassed by Harry Kane in March 2023.

He represented the nation in three World Cups and three European Championships, playing under six different permanent managers, including Southgate, Steve McClaren, Roy Hodgson, and Sam Allardyce.

Reflecting on the unique challenges of having a foreign coach, Rooney noted that it can be awkward watching a non-English coach support their home nation during major tournaments.

He added: “I think 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.

“I’ve experienced that first hand and it’s not ideal.

“I’m sure Thomas is very professional and he’ll do everything he can to help England win.”