Gary Neville has raised concerns about whether Thomas Tuchel's appointment aligns with the Football Association's commitment to fostering English coaching talent.
The former England defender described Tuchel as "the best available manager in the world" but expressed disappointment that the national team job has gone to an international manager. "They probably got the best available coach in the world at this moment in time," Neville stated on Sky Sports News. "Fitting that criteria they are absolutely spot on.
I am not sure it meets the criteria of St George's Park and the belief in English coaches and the growth in the English teams' performances over the last few years." Neville stated that the decision feels more "instinctive" than "strategic," expressing concerns about a potential "rut" in the promotion of English coaches. "It doesn't feel like a strategic decision; it feels like an instinctive one off the back of what's happened in the last two weeks." Tuchel, set to start his role on January 1, becomes the third foreign coach to lead England, following Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
Although Neville acknowledged Tuchel's elite experience, he cautioned that the FA must address the underlying issues facing English coaching. "We are in a rut when it comes to English coaching," he added, highlighting the lack of a clear playing style and identity for English football.