Wayne Rooney has urged the Football Association not to sack Thomas Tuchel as England manager unless Pep Guardiola is available to take over. Speaking after England's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, Rooney argued that few alternatives exist who match Tuchel's quality.
Tuchel under fire after Argentina loss
England's 2-1 loss to Argentina on Wednesday night extended the nation's 60-year wait for a major international title. Tuchel faced criticism for defensive substitutions after England took the lead in the second half, allowing Argentina to score twice. Rooney led the criticism on the night, suggesting the changes caused the team to 'lose belief.' Reports indicate three England players privately complained about the tactics that led to the exit.
Rooney backs Tuchel to learn
Despite the disappointment, Rooney believes Tuchel should remain in charge. '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 on The Wayne Rooney Show. '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.'
Guardiola the only viable alternative
Rooney stressed the lack of suitable replacements. '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.' He noted Tuchel's inexperience at World Cups, comparing it to Fabio Capello's tenure. 'The World Cup is different and you need to feel that environment and now he's felt it.' Guardiola, who left Manchester City at the end of last season, is the bookmakers' favourite to replace Tuchel, ahead of Newcastle's Eddie Howe.
