Wayne Rooney: Thomas Tuchel appointment ‘surprises’ former England captain

Wayne Rooney says he is “surprised” that Thomas Tuchel has been appointed England head coach instead of a homegrown coach.

Tuchel will succeed Gareth Southgate in January and the German, 51, is the first non-British coach to take charge of England’s men’s side since Fabio Capello left in 2012.

Former England captain and record goalscorer Rooney played under both Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson, and said he felt an English coach would be appointed.

“I think he’s [Tuchel] a very good coach, but surprised the FA have employed him,” Plymouth Argyle boss Rooney said.

Interim boss Lee Carsley, who will remain in charge for next month’s Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, led England to the European Under-21 Championship title last year.

England also won under-20 and under-17 World Cups in 2017, both following the opening of the Football Association’s national football centre at St George’s Park, near Burton-upon-Trent, in 2012, with the aim of developing a pathway for players and coaches.

“What the FA have built – and I was part of that and have seen first hand what they’ve built over the last 10, 15 years – it’s been great,” added Rooney.

“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.

“But they’ve made the decision and I wish him all the best, and I hope he does well for us.”