The majority of Express Sport readers believe that the manager of the England national team should always be British. Thomas Tuchel, who was appointed to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024, is currently in charge of the Three Lions. Although he has only lost twice since taking over, many fans believe he should never have been considered in the first place.
Ever since Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed as the first foreign manager in 2001, the debate over whether an English manager should be British has intensified. German-born Tuchel is the second non-English manager to be appointed. He signed a contract extension earlier this year and has already been confirmed to remain in charge until Euro 2028.
Some proponents believe that the job should be given to the best candidate, regardless of nationality, while others are adamant that a local coach should be chosen rather than a foreign coach.
Our latest poll reveals that the overwhelming majority of Express Sport readers fall into the latter category, with nearly 77 per cent of voters saying England should always have an English head coach.
However, only 23% of respondents said that nationality is not important when it comes to running the Three Lions.
There is still much debate about Tuchel’s nationality and the fact that he does not sing “God Save the King” because he feels the need to “earn” the right to sing.
A year ago, former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson said he wanted the FA to champion homegrown managers by considering them ahead of foreign candidates.
“I have nothing against Tuchel, but I would like to see that job passed to a young English manager,” he said. “Gareth Southgate did a fantastic job during his time as manager.
“He had some really good young players and he took advantage of that. An English manager can do just as well as a foreign manager.”
“And as an England patriot, I would have gone to another English manager who you think is good enough to get the best out of the young players we have in this country.”
Former England striker and Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen went a step further: “I think it defeats the whole purpose of international football. It has to be the best that England can offer to other countries.”
“There’s nothing xenophobic about it at all. That’s what international football is. It’s our country versus your country. And that should spread throughout the team.”
“Whether you’re a masseuse or a bus driver or whatever role you’re in, Britain is the best because these things matter. It should be British.”
“It should be a British coach. It should be a British doctor. Everything should be in English. That’s what it is. That’s international football and that’s the way it should be.”
