Wayne Rooney has stated that the Football Association should continue with Thomas Tuchel as England's head coach, unless Pep Guardiola is a viable alternative. Tuchel's position has the backing of the FA following England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Despite criticism over his substitutions during the match, which saw England concede a late lead, Tuchel has expressed his intention to remain and lead the team into the Euro 2028 tournament. Rooney, speaking on "The Wayne Rooney Show," suggested that if the FA were considering a change, they should pursue Guardiola. "I don't see anyone else out there at the minute, unless you go and get Pep Guardiola. If Pep Guardiola is available, then maybe you go and get him," Rooney said.
Rooney added that top managers learn from their mistakes and improve. He questioned who would be brought in if Tuchel were dismissed, asserting that he doesn't believe anyone available is as capable as Tuchel, with the exception of Guardiola. However, Rooney also noted Tuchel's lack of World Cup experience, drawing a parallel to Fabio Capello and emphasizing the unique nature of the World Cup environment. "The World Cup is different and you need to feel that environment and now he's felt it," Rooney commented.
Tuchel signed a two-year contract extension in February, having been appointed in January 2025 on an 18-month contract with the stated goal of winning the World Cup. Rooney expressed some surprise at the timing of the contract extension. "I think the FA told us that Thomas Tuchel was coming in to win the World Cup and take us to the next level. 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," he remarked.