Wayne Rooney has said the Football Association should continue with Thomas Tuchel as England head coach unless Pep Guardiola becomes available to take the role.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said he saw no clear alternative to Tuchel apart from Guardiola, whom he described as a top-level manager. Rooney’s comments came after England’s reported 2-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup semi-final.
Tuchel has faced criticism over his substitutions after England reportedly gave up a 1-0 lead late in the match. However, according to MyJoyOnline, the German coach intends to remain in charge for the build-up to Euro 2028 and retains the FA’s backing.
Rooney argued that replacing Tuchel would not necessarily improve England’s prospects. He said leading a team at a World Cup brings a distinct pressure and environment, and that Tuchel would benefit from the experience despite the disappointment of the tournament.
He also questioned the timing of Tuchel’s contract extension. Tuchel was appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month arrangement intended to deliver World Cup success, before signing a two-year extension in February, the report said.
Rooney said it was unusual for the FA to extend the manager’s deal before the World Cup if winning the competition had been the principal objective of his appointment.
Squad selection concerns
Rooney also raised concerns about Tuchel’s selection decisions. He said the omission of players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton from England’s 26-man squad was likely to attract debate.
Jordan Henderson, Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney were among those selected instead. Rooney suggested England needed a squad containing players prepared to challenge the manager and contribute strong personalities, rather than one focused simply on harmony in camp.
Despite those criticisms, Rooney maintained that Tuchel remains among the strongest available options to lead England into its next major tournament. His only stated exception was Guardiola, who was approached by the FA before Tuchel’s appointment, according to the report.
