'It's a sad indictment' - Phil Parkinson 'disappointed' by England's appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Wrexham boss bemoans lack of opportunities for homegrown coaches

Tuchel’s appointment as the new England head coach has been labelled a “sad indictment” by Parkinson, who believes English managers aren’t getting opportunities at the highest level of the game. Eddie Howe and Graham Potter were linked with the post vacated by Gareth Southgate, but the FA turned to former Chelsea boss Tuchel.

The German has signed an 18-month deal to lead England through the 2026 World Cup. Parkinson isn’t the only person to question the decision, with Jamie Carragher saying “it doesn’t feel right” that the role went to a foreign coach. Ultimately, the FA chose the manager they believe gives them the best opportunity to end England’s lengthy wait for World Cup glory.

“Ideally, I would like an Englishman to manage England; I don’t think anyone would steer away from that," Parkinson told William Hill. "However, there wasn’t an obvious English candidate and I can understand why the FA made the decision to go with Thomas Tuchel. He’s managed in the Champions League, he’s got silverware to his name, and he’s been on the touchline in those top-end games, making key decisions when it matters most. I think he’ll be a good appointment, but everyone is a bit 50/50 between respecting that he’s a good manager and also being disappointed for the English managers.”

The 56-year-old added: “Our coaching courses and St. George’s Park are revered around Europe and around the world. It’s a little bit of a sad indictment that we haven’t got enough English managers at the top end of the game. Eddie Howe is a good example, he’s got a really big job now with Newcastle. But there’s still not enough opportunities for English managers at the top level. Nothing is given to you in football, though, you’ve got to earn those jobs.”

Tuchel won’t take up his new position until January 1, with interim coach Lee Carsley overseeing England’s November fixtures. The first time that the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach will lead his new side in a match will be in March.