Michael Owen launches an attack on the decision to appoint Thomas Touchel as British manager, claiming that only the British should take charge of the three lions. In fact, Owen believes that everyone in the English setup should be in English, even to the doctors on the team. The former Liverpool, Manchester United and British striker have previously expressed disapproval of the free agency’s choice to lead the German coach as Gareth Southgate’s successor, rather than fostering homemade talent.
Tuchel, 52, has signed an 18-month contract that began in January, with the aim of winning the 2026 World Cup in North America next summer. However, the move to hire foreign coaches has come across criticism from many former England players and managers. Owen, who scored 40 goals in his country’s 89 appearances, argues that giving Touchel a job contradicts the essence of international football.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport via betting site BetSelect, Owen explained:
“We are cared for by great physics, doctors and psychologists. The Premier League employs great people from all over the world. That’s great.
“But I think (having a foreign coach) will beat the whole purpose of international football. It should be the best of what England has to offer to other countries. There’s absolutely no xenophobia about that.
“It’s our country against your country, and it should be expanded through the team, whether you’re a masseuse or a bus driver, whatever your role is, because these things are important.
“It should be British. It should be an English coach. It should be an English doctor. It should be everything in English. That’s what it is. It’s international football and that’s what it is.”
When discussing potential homemade management options in the UK, Owen said, “People ask, who will ask? And then I would say? What about Frank Lampard? And they, no, no.
“Well, that’s the whole point. That’s the whole point. If you’re not generating managers, that’s our fault.
“That’s why we spent millions on St. George’s parks. Put A*** in gear and start producing.
“Great referees, managers, coaches, linemen, administrators, you need to be able to say you have what you want. Let’s not only make our country a great soccer player, but also a great soccer country.
“The teams go on the pitch, but it takes a huge backup team and a great people from the backup team to influence the outcome.
“So I have nothing against Thomas Tuschel. He’s a great manager. He’s been able to do great things. But if he wins the World Cup and the German manager lifts the World Cup, really?
“What if Gareth Southgate manages Brazil and lifts the World Cup?
“Whether it’s a foreigner who manages England or a British who manages a foreign team, that’s not right in my eyes.
“In English, the teams that can play are teams that are eligible to play. If you nail a team, nail the colour to the must, and that’s it.
England will be leaving to face Latvia in another World Cup qualifier in the next match at Wembley (Friendly – October 9th) in the next World Cup qualifier (October 14th).
