Rooney Advocates for Tuchel's Continuation as England Coach

New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Wayne Rooney thinks the Association should stick with Thomas Tuchel as England head coach unless a move for Pep Guardiola is possible.

Tuchel has retained the backing of the FA after England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final. This defeat marked a significant moment in the tournament for England, as they had initially taken the lead in the match, only to falter in the closing minutes. Such a loss in a high-stakes match has naturally led to scrutiny of the head coach's decisions, particularly regarding tactical substitutions and player management.

The German was criticised for his substitutions as England squandered a 1-0 lead late on, but says he intends to stay to lead the Three Lions into Euro 2028. This commitment to the long-term vision for the team suggests that Tuchel is focused not only on immediate results but also on building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels in future tournaments.

Despite backing Tuchel to remain as England head coach after the World Cup heartbreak, ex-England captain Rooney thinks the FA should "go and get" former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola if he is available. Guardiola's track record in club , marked by numerous titles and accolades, makes him a highly desirable candidate for any national team looking to enhance its competitive edge.

"I don't see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola. If Pep is available, then maybe you go and get him," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show. This statement underscores the high regard in which Guardiola is held, not only by fans and pundits but also by former players who understand the intricacies of management at the highest level.

"I think he is a top-class manager and what the top managers do, they learn from the mistakes and they improve and get better." This perspective reflects a broader understanding of managerial evolution, where even the most successful coaches must adapt and learn from their experiences to remain effective.

"If we sack him, what managers are we going to bring in? And I don't think there's anyone out there who's as good as Thomas Tuchel, unless Guardiola." Rooney's comments highlight the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Tuchel, emphasizing the scarcity of top-tier managerial talent available in the current landscape. This dilemma is compounded by the pressures of international , where the right fit is crucial for success.

"But the big thing for me is he's not experienced at World Cups. We had the exact same with [Fabio] Capello." Rooney points out that while Tuchel may have extensive experience in club , he lacks the same level of exposure to the unique pressures and dynamics of a World Cup setting. The comparison to Capello, who faced criticism during his tenure, illustrates the complexities of managing a national team in such a prestigious tournament.

"The World Cup is different and you need to feel that environment and now he's felt it." This sentiment speaks to the importance of experience in high-pressure situations, suggesting that Tuchel's recent experience could be invaluable as he prepares for future competitions.

Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February, having been appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month mission to win the World Cup. This timeline indicates that the FA had set ambitious goals for Tuchel, reflecting a desire to elevate England's status in international . The two-year extension suggests a commitment to continuity, allowing Tuchel to build on his initial plans and strategies.

The FA approached Guardiola before appointing Tuchel, with reports there was a verbal agreement in place. This background adds context to the current situation, revealing that the FA had initially considered Guardiola a top candidate for the role, which may complicate Tuchel's position as he navigates the aftermath of the World Cup.

Rooney shared his views on the decision to give Tuchel a new contract: "I think the FA told us that Thomas Tuchel was coming in to win the World Cup and take us to the next level." This statement reflects a sense of urgency and expectation surrounding Tuchel's appointment, suggesting that the FA was looking for immediate results in a tournament setting.

"It's a little bit strange if its priority was to win the World Cup, but then you get a two-year contract before you actually go to the World Cup. That's a bit strange." Rooney's critique raises questions about the strategic planning of the FA and their approach to long-term versus short-term objectives. The decision to extend Tuchel's contract prior to the World Cup may indicate a belief in his vision for the team, despite the immediate pressures of tournament performance.

Tuchel 'made mistakes' with squad selection

Leaving the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton out of the 26-man England squad was always going to be a cause for debate. These omissions have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, as these players have demonstrated significant talent and potential in their club performances.

But with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney selected instead, Rooney believes having players who are just "happy around the camp" was detrimental to England's chances. This perspective emphasizes the importance of not only talent but also the right mentality within the squad, suggesting that a balance between camaraderie and competitive spirit is essential for success.

"I think he's made mistakes with the squad selection," Rooney said. This admission reflects a common sentiment among former players and experts who analyze the intricacies of team selection and its impact on performance.

"You can't expect to win a World Cup and have a squad that is just happy and happy around the camp." Rooney's critique points to the need for a more robust approach to squad dynamics, where players are encouraged to challenge each other and strive for excellence.

"You need debate, you need players to, you know, have conversations and not agree with you." This insight highlights the value of healthy discourse within a team, where differing opinions can lead to better decision-making and ultimately improved performance on the pitch.

"You need players with their own personalities, their own opinions, their own character to question the manager at times." Rooney's emphasis on individual character underscores the importance of having a diverse range of voices within the squad, which can contribute to a more dynamic and adaptable team culture.

"Top managers like that, they like that, then you can debate it. So, yes, I think looking back, he'll have regrets." This acknowledgment of potential regrets suggests that Tuchel may reflect on his choices and consider adjustments for future competitions.

"But I still think he's as good as any manager out there to lead us into the next tournament, in my opinion." Rooney's endorsement of Tuchel as a capable leader reinforces the idea that, despite the challenges faced during the World Cup, there remains a foundation for success moving forward. The upcoming Euro 2028 presents an opportunity for Tuchel to implement lessons learned and refine his approach, potentially leading to a stronger performance for the England national team.