Wayne Rooney admits he is “surprised” that Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England’s new boss.
The German was named as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor on Wednesday, signing an 18-month contract which will take him to the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Lee Carlsey, who led the Under-21s to European Championship glory in 2023, was in interim charge and Rooney thought the Football Association would appoint a homegrown coach.
Rooney worked under England’s first foreign coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson (Martin Rickett/PA)
Rooney, himself making his way as a young manager in the game, played under the two previous foreign England managers in Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
“I’m surprised. He’s a very good coach but I’m surprised the FA have employed him,” Plymouth boss Rooney, who won 120 caps, scoring 53 goals for his country, said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“But I wish him all the best and I hope he does well.
“What the FA have built over the last 10-15 years has been a great platform for young coaches coming through, so I’m surprised they haven’t gone with one of their own but, as I said, they have made the decision and I wish him all the best and I hope he does well for us.”